Ethnic minority women in the new era

BHG - Currently, many ethnic minority women have been given favorable conditions to participate in social activities and access capital for economic development. As a result, many good practices and diverse and effective models have emerged.

BHG - Currently, many ethnic minority women have been given favorable conditions to participate in social activities and access capital for economic development. As a result, many good practices and diverse and effective models have emerged.

The province currently has over 262,000 female members. Among them, ethnic minority women are a vulnerable group, often suffering disadvantages due to outdated customs. However, with determination and creativity, many ethnic minority women in the province have demonstrated resilience and self-confidence, rising to achieve legitimate wealth and affirming their role and position in society. In recent years, the Provincial Women's Union has actively implemented many emulation movements to help its members and women assert themselves, such as: the movement "Building the new era of Ha Giang women: Actively studying, dynamic, creative, preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identity"; and the implementation of Project 939 "Supporting women's entrepreneurship in the period 2017 - 2025," which includes coordinating training courses on improving the capacity to develop ideas, access and manage preferential loan sources for economic development. To date, the province has 206 female members with startup ideas; participating in and responding to startup activities organized by the Central Government such as the "Women's Creative Entrepreneurship and Green Transformation" competition. In 2024, the Women's Union at all levels coordinated with relevant agencies to open 40 vocational training classes for nearly 1,300 women, and provided job placement advice for 959 women. The province maintains 12 cooperatives, creating jobs for 350 local members; established and maintained 9 cooperative groups; and expanded and maintained 550 "Women's Economic Development Linkage Groups".

Ms. Vu Thi Ha from Van Chai commune (Dong Van district) poses for a commemorative photo with tourists at a stall selling traditional linen products.

Born and raised in the challenging land of Van Chai commune (Dong Van district), Ms. Vu Thi Ha, a Mong ethnic minority woman, has continuously strived to improve herself. To date, as the head of the Van Chai B village brocade weaving cooperative, she has helped many women in the commune find stable jobs and income; inspiring women in the highlands to confidently start their own businesses. Sharing with us, Ms. Ha said: “In September 2020, the Van Chai B village brocade weaving cooperative was established with the support of the Sa Phin Brocade Cooperative and the Dong Van District Women's Union, with 15 members, all of whom have received basic vocational training. Currently, the average income of the members ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 million VND per person per month, depending on each member's working hours.”

It is known that since its establishment, the cooperative has focused on developing linen products, beeswax painting on linen, and introducing and promoting products to tourists through experiential activities. In 2024, participating in the "Women's Entrepreneurship Day" program organized by the Central Vietnam Women's Union, the cooperative won first prize in the Northern region and a consolation prize nationwide. The cooperative also participated in over 10 trade fairs inside and outside the province to promote and introduce products, seek cooperation opportunities, and sign contracts for product consumption. Besides developing production and business, the cooperative always pays attention to preserving traditional crafts associated with developing the brand of linen brocade, improving product quality; ensuring the preservation and promotion of traditional values ​​such as patterns, methods, colors, etc. To date, the material and spiritual lives of the members of the cooperative have improved; on average, 2 members escape poverty each year. By November 2024, the group had only 8 members who were near-poor households, with no more poor households remaining.

Vang Thi De, a Mong ethnic student from Dong Van district, participated in a traditional costume performance at Wenshan University, Yunnan (China).

Ms. Vu Thi Ha added: “I used to be just like any other ethnic minority woman, living quietly in my ‘cocoon.’ Fortunately, I had the opportunity to connect with the outside world , awakening my will, aspirations, and abilities, and realizing that life is not just about farming. Now, I've learned English, communicate with foreign tourists, and confidently introduce local traditional products. Every morning, I think about who I'll meet, which members I'll help, which patterns I'll teach them, and which products I'll introduce to tourists… And I hope that other women will boldly step forward to become more confident.”

Like Ms. Vu Thi Ha, many ethnic minority women, through their efforts and endeavors, have asserted themselves, motivating and inspiring other women to join hands in developing the local economy. Despite facing many difficulties, they are striving every day, step by step, to affirm their role and position in the new era. Changes in their awareness have helped them become increasingly confident and proactive. Continuing to create conditions for their development will be a crucial key to building a just, progressive, and equal society.

Text and photos: MY LY

Source: https://baohagiang.vn/xa-hoi/202503/phu-nu-dan-toc-thieu-so-trong-thoi-dai-moi-0243edb/