Promoting gender equality associated with sustainable livelihoods

In recent times, the Thai Nguyen Provincial Women's Union has synchronously implemented many solutions to promote gender equality in ethnic minority areas. Through community communication team models, livelihood support activities and women's empowerment, gender awareness in the community has been gradually improved. Ethnic minority women are increasingly asserting their role in economic development and sustainable poverty reduction.

Mong women in Van Lang commune learn industrial sewing.

Spread awareness about gender equality

Lan Quan hamlet, Quang Son commune, is one of the difficult areas of the province, the majority of the people are Mong people. In the past, old ideology was quite popular, women had few opportunities to study and develop. This situation does not only exist in Lan Quan but also exists in many other ethnic minority areas of the province.

Since the end of 2021, the Thai Nguyen Provincial Women's Union has implemented the Project "Implementing gender equality and solving urgent issues for women and children" (Project 8) in many extremely difficult hamlets, including Lan Quan, with a completely new approach.

Instead of dry propaganda sessions, community media groups with the core of prestigious people and members in the neighborhood organized simple but joyful activities like festivals.

Every month, people gather to practice, perform arts and sports , then discuss gender equality, and prevent child marriage and incestuous marriage in a friendly and receptive atmosphere.

The model “Each member is a propagandist” helps bring legal knowledge and life skills to each household. “Before, I thought women only needed to take care of housework. Now I can learn to read and write, participate in association activities, discuss business with my husband and am more respected” - Ms. Truong Thi Ly, 47 years old, a member of the women's association of Lan Quan hamlet, shared with confidence.

Along with women in Lan Quan, this spirit spreads throughout the activities of 586 community communication teams established by the Women's Union at all levels. From 2021 to now, over 1,400 communication activities, seminars, and competitions with content on gender equality have attracted over 95,000 participants.

In addition, 109 "Leaders of Change" clubs at schools have attracted nearly 3,000 ethnic minority students to participate. They are equipped with skills to prevent abuse, child marriage, human trafficking and adolescent reproductive health care - sensitive but urgent issues for them.

At the same time, 230 "Trusted Addresses in the Community" became places to support women and children suffering from domestic violence, creating a comprehensive safety net.

Gender equality linked to economic development

Thanks to the support of women's associations at all levels, Ms. Vi Thi Van, Dao ethnic group, in Cao Phong hamlet, Trai Cau commune, built a red-fleshed dragon fruit garden on an area of ​​3,000 square meters to develop her family's economy.

Not only stopping at propaganda activities, Project 8 is also effectively integrated with poverty reduction work, enhancing economic power for women. Women's Unions at all levels actively promote economic development for members, supporting livelihoods for women to change crop and livestock structure to suit local conditions.

In particular, the association at all levels has also implemented a model of livelihood groups/teams applying 4.0 technology in production and market connection to enhance economic empowerment for ethnic minority women. Participating in the model, women are trained and guided to improve their capacity, knowledge of science and technology, and develop agricultural production according to the principles of organic production...

From 2021 to now, the association at all levels has established 20 livelihood groups applying 4.0 technology, with over 200 ethnic minority women participating as owners or managers. Some typical models include Hoang Muoi Cooperative, Thuong Minh Commune, producing dong vermicelli; Black Chung Cake Cooperative and Preservation of Medicinal Plants, Cho Don Commune; J02 Rice Production Cooperative, Kim Phuong Commune...

The practical activities of Project 8 implemented by the Women's Union have contributed to helping over 3,000 households headed by women escape poverty and near-poverty. More importantly, women are increasingly confident, proactive in economic development and participating in community work. Children are equipped with self-protection skills, and men are gradually changing their perceptions, actively accompanying women. Thereby contributing to narrowing the gender gap, realizing sustainable development goals in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202507/thuc-day-binh-dang-gioi-gan-voi-sinh-ke-ben-vung-8e50e90/