Women's Newspaper reflected both the aspirations for equality of women and contributed to promoting social reform and enriching the cultural and journalistic life of Vietnam in the early 20th century.
Cao Thi Khanh is recognized in the history of Vietnamese journalism as the founder of the weekly newspaper Phu Nu Tan Van, an influential women's newspaper in Southern Vietnam, not only in the fields of journalism and literature but also in social life. She was born in 1900 into an intellectual family in Go Cong, a region considered a "sacred land" of the six provinces of Southern Vietnam.
In 1929, she founded the Women's Weekly newspaper in Saigon. Her husband, Nguyen Duc Nhuan, served as the editor-in-chief. At that time, the couple owned a large silk shop at 42 Catinat Street (now Dong Khoi Street). Initially, the newspaper's editorial office was located on the second floor of this building, while the ground floor was used as the silk shop. However, after only a year of successful operation, the editorial office expanded to occupy the entire building at 42 Catinat Street, and the silk shop was moved to another location.
The first issue of Phụ nữ Tân văn (New Women's Newspaper) was published on May 2, 1929. In the history of Vietnamese journalism, this was the second newspaper owned by women, carrying progressive ideas, promoting democratic and social values, while also fighting for women's rights and protecting women's interests.
In the introduction to its first issue, the newspaper affirmed its role:
"Today, the Women's Newspaper is born, adding another beautifying craftsman to the nation, another person to manage affairs in society, another army of women on the literary battlefield, and within our own homes, we also have an organization to strive together in life!"
The cover of the Women's Newspaper features three girls representing the North, Central, and South of Vietnam, accompanied by a poem that clearly expresses the newspaper's motto:
"Cosmetics adorn the land."
"Let's reveal the true nature of Vietnamese women."
Besides their journalistic activities, Cao Thi Khanh and Nguyen Duc Nhuan actively organized many social activities under the name of Phu Nu Tan Van (New Women's Newspaper) to realize the viewpoints the newspaper advocated. A prime example is the establishment of the "Student's Fund for the Poor" to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in continuing their education. Furthermore, the newspaper launched the "Meals for the Poor" campaign, established a Women's Relief Committee, and organized the Duc Anh Association to care for poor children and provide childcare services. Simultaneously, a Women's Association for Overseas Students was formed to create a forum for women to exchange and discuss gender equality issues, encourage their participation in politics and science, and promote the education of girls.
From a social perspective, the Women's Newspaper pursued a reformist and modernizing approach to life. The newspaper's content reflected a feminist spirit, affirming the role of women in raising the next generation and caring for children. This theme was presented right in the newspaper's first editorial: "So today, we women emerge from our luxurious chambers, beating drums and waving flags to strive for our organization and for the entire nation and society." (Women's Newspaper, May 2, 1929).
Many articles also highlight the connection between family and nation, emphasizing that the family is the foundation for a strong nation. In addition, the newspaper also targets young readers, encouraging children to cultivate love for their homeland and country.
The newspaper regularly publishes articles that popularize knowledge, protect women's rights, and oppose outdated social norms. The Women's Newspaper advocates for women's participation in activities such as sports , cycling, short haircuts, attending school, and enjoying literature and art—activities that were once restricted for women in traditional society.
The Women's Newspaper, issue 29, addressed the issue of physical exercise: “It is known that in our families and society there are many who are dissatisfied and opposed to the liberation of women in this respect, saying that women participating in sports like riding motorcycles, playing tennis… is truly offensive. But at first it may be offensive, but after getting used to it, many women will surely welcome it, because we know that the purpose of sports is to keep the body healthy, and there is no intention of violating morals or customs! (Women's Newspaper, November 21, 1929).”
In the field of literature, the most important contribution of Phụ nữ Tân văn (New Women's Newspaper) was its role in the development of the New Poetry movement, a major turning point in Vietnamese poetry of the 20th century. The newspaper steadfastly supported this movement from beginning to end, helping to establish the names of many authors such as Phan Khôi, Nguyễn Thị Manh Manh, Hồ Văn Hảo, Lư Khê… In addition, many famous writers and intellectuals also chose Phụ nữ Tân văn as a platform to publish their works, such as Phan Bội Châu, Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Tản Đà, Hồ Biểu Chánh, Mộng Tuyết, Vân Đài, Đạm Phương…
In terms of publication style, Phụ nữ Tân văn (New Women's Newspaper) was considered one of the most beautifully printed newspapers of its time. Initially, the newspaper was printed at the Nguyễn Văn Viết printing house. However, by 1930, when the circulation increased to about 10,000 copies, domestic printing houses could no longer meet the demand, so printing had to be transferred to the French-owned Albert Portail printing house. This was also the first local newspaper in Saigon to be widely distributed to Central and Northern Vietnam. The newspaper brought together many famous writers from all three regions, such as Đào Trinh Nhất, Phan Khôi, Diệp Văn Kỳ, and Bùi Thế Mỹ…
Along with the impact of the economic crisis, the newspaper's operations became increasingly difficult, and Phu Nu Tan Van officially ceased publication after issue 273, published on April 21, 1935.
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/phu-nu-tan-van-phan-son-to-diem-son-ha.html
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