Caring for and supporting women to escape poverty

In the period of 2021-2025, the Women's Union of O Mon Ward established 8 new cooperative and association models; coordinated the organization of 5 vocational training classes; provided counseling and job introductions to about 5,000 women. In addition, the Women's Union of the Ward mobilized social resources to build and repair 9 charity houses, gave gifts to members and their children on holidays, Tet, and the beginning of school... with a total value of over 1.6 billion VND. Through care and concern, the union has helped 31 women escape poverty and stabilize their lives.

Ms. Vo Thi Thuy Doan, President of the Women's Union of O Mon Ward (left cover) visits the lives of members of the Women's Small Business Group established by the union.

The Garment Processing Cooperative (THT) model, which was established by the Ward Women's Union in 2022, is proving effective. According to Ms. Vo Thi Thuy Doan, Chairwoman of the Ward Women's Union, the THT currently has 22 members, with an income of 5-6 million VND/person/month.

Ms. Dang Thi Hong Nhiem, a member of the THT, said: “In the past, I was a housewife and took my children to school. Our family life depended on my husband’s salary as a worker. With the encouragement, support and guidance of the association’s staff, I joined the garment industry with a stable income of about 5 million VND/month.”

In order to continue supporting members and women to develop the economy and reduce poverty, especially after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in February 2023, the Ward Women's Union established the model "Women's Small Business Group" with 18 members. According to Ms. Ho Thi Bich Phuong, the model's leader, members meet regularly every month, are supported with loans according to their needs and participate in training courses on business skills. Ms. Phuong herself is also running a grocery store, with a stable income of over 5 million VND/month.

The Women's Union of O Mon Ward focuses on many practical support solutions through Project 939 "Supporting women to start a business in the period of 2017-2025"; expanding connections, encouraging creative start-up ideas, applying science and technology, especially in start-ups, starting businesses, coordinating connections to build OCOP product brands of members and women. Over the past 5 years, the union at all levels has helped 32/30 women start a business successfully (achieving 104% of the target).

Ms. Do Hong Thanh, a member of the ward's Women's Union, used to open a refreshment shop at home, but due to limited capital and a small shop, she only bought and sold a small amount, with unstable income. In 2022, Ms. Hong Thanh was supported by the Ward Women's Union to apply for a loan of 50 million VND to start a business. Ms. Hong Thanh said: "With the capital, I renovated the shop to be spacious and sell pho, soft drinks... Currently, the shop's revenue is quite stable."

In the period of 2021-2025, the Ward Women's Union newly established and maintained and improved the quality of 12 effective collective economic models, with more than 360 women participating; supported the construction and repair of 9 charity houses... In addition, the association is effectively managing 52 groups borrowing capital from the Social Policy Bank, supporting 2,423 women to borrow capital to invest in production, small business... to develop the family economy.

Previously, Ms. Vo Thuy Hang had faced many difficulties. Ms. Thuy Hang said: “After my husband and I separated, I raised two small children, and I am a near-poor household. In the past, my family has received support from the Women's Union and the local government in many aspects, from building a Great Unity house to giving gifts for the children to go to school. Currently, the union has introduced me to join a seasonal labor group, picking fruit for people in the ward, earning more than 200,000 VND/day.”

Ms. Vo Thi Thuy Doan, President of the Ward Women's Union, informed: "From the care and support activities, in the period of 2021-2025, the union has helped 31 women escape poverty, reaching 110% of the set target. Currently, the union has 6 members who are poor households. The Ward Women's Union continues to maintain and improve the quality of existing models; at the same time, build new models, attract more women to participate in order to increase income, escape poverty, and stabilize their lives."

Article and photos: TAM KHOA

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/cham-lo-ho-tro-phu-nu-thoat-ngheo-a191729.html