• Preserving the century-old weaving profession
  • Livelihood diversification for rural women
  • Increase income from a side job

In 2022, the Women's Union of Tram 1 Hamlet was chosen by the Commune Women's Union as a pilot to implement the organic product weaving model, with 7 members. The women were supported with techniques, raw materials, and products, mainly woven baskets from water hyacinth, water hyacinth, and bamboo. On average, each woman earned 100-150 thousand VND/day.

Members of the Vinh Hoi hamlet organic weaving group instruct each other in basket weaving techniques.

Ms. Ngo Huynh Phuong, Head of the Organic Knitting Group in Tram 1 Hamlet, shared: “The knitting technique is not difficult, just need a few instructions to do it. Everyone can still receive the products to make at home, earn extra income and have time to take care of the family.”

From the effectiveness of the model in Tram 1 hamlet, the Women's Union of the commune continued to replicate it in the hamlets: Vinh Hoi, Vinh Hiep and Huy Het, each group has 15 members. After 3 months of learning, the members have skillfully knitted, creating many beautiful and durable handbags.

The women prepare materials to weave baskets.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a member of the Vinh Hoi Hamlet Organic Weaving Group, said: "In the past, I mainly worked on rice and raised livestock. Now that I'm old, I can't do heavy work. After a few days of attending the organic weaving technique class, I can weave 2-3 products a day. There is no time constraint, sometimes I work with my sisters, sometimes I work at home, and when I finish, I hand it over to the group leader. Although the income is not high, it helps me have some money to cover part of the family's expenses."

Previously, women in rural areas were mainly housewives, farmers, rice farmers or seasonal workers with unstable incomes. Since the weaving profession was established, many women have had regular jobs, with an average income of 100,000-150,000 VND per person per day, higher during peak order seasons.

Weaving helps many women have regular jobs and stable income.

Ms. Do Ngoc Han, Chairwoman of the Commune Women's Union, said: "Thanks to this model, the number of idle female workers in the locality has decreased significantly, and their lives have become more stable. In the coming time, the Union will continue to expand cooperation, from the stage of supplying materials to processing products, developing new designs to create more jobs and attract more female workers to participate."

The basket product is almost complete.

The organic weaving model not only helps rural women take economic initiative, strengthen solidarity and mutual support in labor and production, but also contributes to reducing plastic waste, spreading the message of green living, combining environmental protection and preserving traditional crafts.

Thuy Lam

Source: https://baocamau.vn/sinh-ke-luc-nong-nhan-a123848.html