Tran Thi Dien - the woman who "weaves" opportunities from threads of wool.

Starting her business in her later years, Ms. Tran Thi Dien, Director of Quy Anh Knitting Cooperative in Ward 2, Bao Loc (Lam Dong), has achieved great success, creating jobs for women in the area.

From factory worker to cooperative director

In the bustling factory filled with the sounds of machinery, Mrs. Tran Thi Dien is busy working alongside her employees to complete the final products for export orders. Few would have imagined that the former worker in the silk and garment industry would now become a "leader" guiding a thriving team.

After retiring, Ms. Tran Thi Dien (on the left) established the Quy Anh Knitting Cooperative in Ward 2, Bao Loc, Lam Dong.

Understanding the hardships faced by female workers, Ms. Dien always wanted to create jobs for everyone, especially those in difficult circumstances, so they could establish themselves in their hometown. After retiring, Ms. Dien utilized her skills and experience to start a business and develop the local economy .

In 2015, the Quy Anh Knitting Cooperative, headed by Ms. Dien as Director and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, was established and began operations, primarily engaged in knitting sweaters, embroidery, and lace making.

Quy Anh Knitting Cooperative accepts orders for knitting and assembling sweaters, embroidery, lace making, etc., for companies both domestically and internationally.

When it was first established, the cooperative had only 20 workers, a meager capital of 300 million VND saved up, and 140 million VND borrowed from the Social Policy Bank through the Women's Union. With this capital, Ms. Dien boldly invested in machinery and equipment, and directly recruited and trained female workers.

Newly established, the cooperative faced numerous difficulties: orders were scarce, the market was limited, and many workers lacked skills. However, with unwavering determination and resilience, Ms. Dien persevered, gradually overcoming these challenges, proactively seeking partners, and securing subcontracting work for companies both domestically and internationally.

Creating jobs for more female workers.

With quality as its goal, the cooperative's products have increasingly gained prestige, expanded their market, and brought in a stable source of income. Ms. Dien has been busy investing in more equipment, recruiting more workers, and opening cooperative branches in various areas. To date, the cooperative has 140 regular workers in communes and wards throughout the province.

The Quy Anh Knitting Cooperative has 140 regular workers in communes and wards throughout the province, generating an income of 7-10 million VND/month/worker.

In addition to providing free vocational training, the cooperative also facilitates the borrowing of machinery and equipment for poor workers, allowing them to take work home so they can both care for their families and earn extra income. As a result, the lives of the female workers have improved, and their children have the opportunity to study and develop.

“Many female workers who used to struggle to make ends meet now have both income and time to take care of their children. I am very happy to be able to help these women. In the future, I will try to continue to develop the cooperative, make it more efficient, create jobs and stable lives for many female workers in the locality; participate in poverty reduction efforts, and contribute to building a more developed locality,” Ms. Dien happily stated.

Each month, the Quy Anh Knitting Cooperative produces approximately 25,000 – 30,000 products, generating revenue of 600 - 700 million VND/month.

On average, the cooperative produces about 25,000 - 30,000 products per month, generating revenue of 600 - 700 million VND/month, creating an average income of about 7 - 10 million VND/month for female workers. The main products are sweaters, embroidered lace, and handmade crochet items... serving both domestic and international markets.

These efforts not only helped the cooperative develop sustainably but also provided opportunities for many local women to escape poverty and stabilize their lives. Based on these achievements, Ms. Dien and the cooperative have received numerous commendations and certificates of merit from the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance, the Provincial People's Committee, and other units and localities for their positive contributions to the local economy and society.

Ms. Le Thi Thien, Vice Chairwoman of the Fatherland Front Committee of Ward 2, and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Ward 2, Bao Loc, said that the Quy Anh Knitting Cooperative is one of the effective women-led cooperative models in the locality, demonstrating the spirit of overcoming difficulties and affirming the capabilities and competence of women in economic development.

Ms. Tran Thi Dien not only successfully started her own business but also created jobs for many women, helping them stabilize their lives and escape poverty. This is a prime example for the Vietnam Women's Union to continue promoting and replicating, contributing to enhancing women's economic empowerment.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/tran-thi-dien-nguoi-det-co-hoi-tu-nhung-soi-len-394492.html