The vitality of the newspaper "Phu Nu Tan Van" from a woman's perspective

This is a carefully selected collection of typical articles by pioneering female intellectuals, writers, and journalists of the early 20th century who collaborated with the newspaper Phu Nu Tan Van - one of the first and strongest press forums of the Vietnamese feminist movement in the period 1929-1935.

The work was compiled and introduced by literary critic Doan Anh Duong with content that is likened to a collection of newspapers with cultural and historical values, while also vividly reflecting the formation and development of gender equality ideology in the period of intersection between tradition and modernity in Vietnam.

The newspaper "Phu Nu Tan Van" published in Cochinchina since 1929 was considered the most successful national language newspaper founded by women at that time. With the participation of prominent names such as: Mme Nguyen Duc Nhuan, Dam Phuong female historian, Nguyen Thi Kiem (pen name Manh Manh), Van Dai, Cao Thi Ngoc Mon, Huong Nhut, Phan Thi Nga... the newspaper created a space for criticism and dialogue on social issues, family,education , culture and the role of women in the context of a constantly changing society.

This is a work of quite large capacity and is considered a valuable source of information.

That once-famous newspaper encouraged women to study, participate in public service, practice sports , and also strongly condemned bad customs such as: three obediences, early marriage, worship of foreign women, and arrogance towards the rich... thereby calling on women to engage in society, building an image of modern, independent, and knowledgeable women.

One of the newspaper's main writers, Nguyen Thi Kiem, once strongly asserted: "Today, women have to work harder than before, but this period of action is different from the past in one way: Vietnamese women do not want to work like servants. Women act to gain rights, to be treated as equals to men."

In addition to editorials and essays, the articles in the book also include many other genres such as short stories, memoirs, and social sketches. The works provide a vivid perspective on the daily life, thoughts, feelings, and social roles of women in the transitional period, reflecting a humorous, sharp spirit that is also full of warmth and humanity.

A lot of valuable data from the Phu Nu Tan Van newspaper is quoted in the work.

For example, in the story "Funny Stories in the South" by MYM (Nguyen Thi Kiem), the stories of "magicians" such as Mr. Cat, Mr. Giua, Mr. Heo... appear both satirically and expose the superstitious reality of contemporary society, thereby reflecting the subtle ability to observe and analyze society of female writers.

In another article, the author interviews a French official about the issue of communication and marriage between the French and Vietnamese, thereby highlighting the prejudices, conflicts and multi-dimensional views on the position of Indochinese women.

The author shows her feminist thinking when she frankly raises the issue: "A child whose eyes are covered for a moment, and now released, suddenly exposed to a bright light, will naturally be unable to stand firmly, will have to walk crookedly for a while, then when used to it, it will walk right away. What about women today who are locked in the packing room..."

"Women talk about women's issues in Phu Nu Tan Van" is like a door opening to the past, where women in the early 20th century started a spiritual revolution for themselves and for the next generation.

In today's context, when movements on gender and equality are increasingly growing, re-reading and reflecting on the pioneering steps from nearly a century ago is a way to better understand the evolutionary history of Vietnamese women's ideology and rights.

The book is suitable for cultural, historical and journalistic researchers, and is also a valuable document for anyone interested in the role of women in the country's modernization process.

Thuy Phuong

Source: https://nhandan.vn/suc-song-cua-bao-phu-nu-tan-van-duoi-goc-nhin-cua-phu-nu-post890141.html