The Power of Vietnamese Women: Shaping History & The Future

20-06-2025

The Power of Vietnamese Women: Shaping History and Inspiring the Future

 

                    Throughout their thousands of years of nation-building and defense, Vietnamese women have consistently played incredibly vital roles, not only in establishing and protecting the country but also in driving its cultural, economic, and social development. They are unsung heroes, exceptional leaders, and shining examples that continue to inspire generations.

Below is a comprehensive list of heroic women, historical personalities, and famous figures who have brought immense honor to Vietnam:

 

 

 

SPECIAL OUTLINE

 

  • Influential Figures in Literature and Culture: Explore the contributions of women like Hồ Xuân Hương (“Queen of Nôm Poetry”), Đoàn Thị Điểm (translator of “Chinh Phụ Ngâm”), and Sương Nguyệt Anh (first female newspaper editor).
  • Pioneers in Diplomacy: Discover the pivotal role of Nguyễn Thị Bình, the only woman to sign the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, symbolizing Vietnamese wisdom and resilience on the international stage.
  • Economic Powerhouses: Learn about leading businesswomen such as Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo (CEO of VietJet Air), Thái Hương (TH Group), Mai Kiều Liên (Vinamilk), Nguyễn Thị Nga (BRG Group), Cao Thị Ngọc Dung (PNJ Jewelry), and Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền (FPT Corporation).
  • Excellence in Arts and Entertainment: Recognize prominent female artists like Mỹ Tâm and Hồ Ngọc Hà who have significantly influenced Vietnamese music and entertainment.
  • Achievements in Sports: Celebrate the successes of female athletes such as Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên (swimming), Nguyễn Thị Oanh (track and field), and Nguyễn Thị Thật (cycling), who have brought national glory through international achievements.
  • Innovators in Science: Acknowledge the significant research contributions of distinguished female scientists, including Prof. Dr. Hoàng Thị Kim Dung (biotechnology) and Prof. Dr. Lê Thị Hoài Châu (information technology).

 

 

 

UNVEIL THE ENDURING POWER AND REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF VIETNAMESE WOMEN, WHO HAVE SHAPED HISTORY AND CONTINUE TO INSPIRE THE NATION’S FUTURE ACROSS ALL FIELDS!

Now! Let’s explore the inspiring stories and profound impact of Vietnam’s influential female figures!

 

 

 

I. Female Generals & National Heroes: Icons of Patriotism

 

These remarkable women led or made immense contributions to the struggles for national independence and freedom.

  1. The Trưng Sisters (Trưng Trắc, Trưng Nhị): Pioneering the Era of Heroic Women

The Trưng Sisters (Trưng Trắc, Trưng Nhị) are the first and most revered female generals in Vietnamese history. In 40 AD, they led a pivotal uprising that overthrew the Eastern Han Chinese rule, ushering in a new era for the nation’s resilient spirit.

  • Significance: Symbols of independence, pioneers of the Vietnamese women’s liberation movement.
  • Keywords: Trung Sisters, Vietnamese female generals, Trung Uprising, Vietnamese women’s history, National heroes Vietnam.

 

 

The Trung Sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, are revered Vietnamese national heroines who led a successful rebellion in the 1st century AD, driving out Chinese invaders and establishing an independent kingdom.

 

 

 

  1. Lady Triệu (Triệu Thị Trinh): The Indomitable Warrior with a Resolute Spirit

Lady Triệu (Triệu Thị Trinh) was a courageous female general in the 3rd century AD, famously known for her defiant quote: “I want to ride the strong winds, tread the fierce waves, slay the giant whales in the East Sea, drive out the Wu invaders, regain our land, and break free from slavery; I will not bow my head to be a concubine!” This powerful declaration fully embodies the unyielding spirit of Vietnamese women.

  • Significance: A monumental figure of courage, steadfastness, and the yearning for freedom.
  • Keywords: Lady Trieu, Vietnamese female warrior, Anti-Wu hero, Trieu Thi Trinh, Brave Vietnamese women.

 

 

Lady Trieu: A revered Vietnamese heroine who led a rebellion against Chinese occupation in the 3rd century.

 

 

 

  1. Nguyễn Thị Định: Vietnam’s First Female Major General & Liberation Army Icon

 

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Định was a talented female general during the Anti-American Resistance War for National Salvation. She became the first female Major General of the Vietnam People’s Army and served as Deputy Commander of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam. Her name is forever linked with the legendary “Long-haired Army” (Đội quân tóc dài), symbolizing the latent power of women in wartime.

  • Significance: Pioneering female general, a symbol of sacrifice and dedication for independence.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Dinh, First female Major General Vietnam, Anti-American Resistance War, Liberation Army South Vietnam, Long-haired Army.
Nguyễn Thị Định was a prominent Vietnamese general and leader of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

 

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II. Female Writers, Cultural Figures & Diplomats: Echoes of Intellectual Brillian

 

These women left profound marks on Vietnamese literature, arts, thought, and diplomacy.

  1. Hồ Xuân Hương: The “Queen of Nôm Poetry” & Voice of Feminism

Hồ Xuân Hương was an eminent poetess of the 18th-19th centuries, often dubbed the “Queen of Nôm Poetry.” Her sharp, satirical verses radiated strong personality and eloquently expressed the unique voice of women in feudal society.

  • Significance: A leading female poetess, an icon of feminist expression in Vietnamese literature.
  • Keywords: Ho Xuan Huong, Queen of Nom Poetry, Nom poetry Vietnam, Classical Vietnamese female writer, Vietnamese literature.

 

 

 

Hồ Xuân Hương was a groundbreaking 18th-century Vietnamese female poet, famed for her witty and subversive verse.

 

 

  1. Đoàn Thị Điểm: The Talented Writer Behind “The Lament of a Warrior’s Wife”

Đoàn Thị Điểm was a renowned writer, best known for her highly acclaimed Nôm poetic translation of “Chinh Phụ Ngâm” (The Lament of a Warrior’s Wife). This translation is celebrated for its artistry and emotional depth, expressing the profound feelings of women whose husbands went to war.

  • Significance: A talented female writer, author of a celebrated translation, a symbol of lyrical literature.
  • Keywords: Doan Thi Diem, Chinh Phu Ngam, Nom poetry translator, Classical Vietnamese literature, Talented female writer.

 

Đoàn Thị Điểm was a brilliant 18th-century Vietnamese female poet, famous for translating “Lament of a Soldier’s Wife.”

 

 

  1. Sương Nguyệt Anh: Vietnam’s Pioneering Female Newspaper Editor

Sương Nguyệt Anh was Vietnam’s first female newspaper editor (for the Nữ Giới Chung newspaper). She was a pioneer in journalism, advocating for women’s rights and promoting public education.

  • Significance: First female editor, pioneer in journalism and women’s movements.
  • Keywords: Suong Nguyet Anh, First female newspaper editor Vietnam, Nu Gioi Chung newspaper, Vietnamese journalism history, Pioneering Vietnamese women.

 

Vietnamese first female editor-in-chief of a Vietnamese newspaper – SUONG NGUYET ANH

 

  1. Nguyễn Thị Bình: The Outstanding Diplomat of the Paris Peace Accords

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Bình was an outstanding diplomat, being the only woman to sign the 1973 Paris Peace Accords that ended the war in Vietnam. She served as the Foreign Minister of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam and later as Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (1992-2002). She is a powerful symbol of Vietnamese wisdom and resilience on the international stage.

  • Significance: Legendary diplomat, peace icon, the female signatory of the Paris Agreement.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Binh, Paris Peace Accords 1973, Vietnamese diplomat, Vice President Vietnam, Peace symbol Vietnam.

 

Nguyễn Thị Bình is a renowned Vietnamese diplomat, crucial in negotiating the Paris Peace Accords.

 

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III. Female Political Leaders & High-Ranking Officials: Architects of National Development

 

These women have held key positions within the Party and State apparatus, contributing significantly to the nation’s development and stability.

  1. Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân: Vietnam’s First Female National Assembly Chairwoman

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân served as the former Chairwoman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2016-2021) and was the first female National Assembly Chair in Vietnamese history.

  • Significance: A pioneering woman in the highest leadership position of the National Assembly.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Chairwoman National Assembly Vietnam, First female parliamentary leader, Vietnamese female politician.
THE FIRST CHAIR WOMAN OF VIETNAMESE PARLIAMENT HOUSE
  1. Nguyễn Thị Doan: Former Vice President of Vietnam

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Doan served as the former Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, contributing to the country’s governance and administration.

  • Significance: A high-ranking female state leader.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Doan, Vice President of Vietnam, High-ranking female official.
ONE OF TOP FAMOUS FEMALE POLITICIAN OF VIETNAM
  1. Tòng Thị Phóng: Former Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly

Ms. Tòng Thị Phóng served as the former Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a crucial female leader within the legislative body.

  • Significance: An ethnic minority female leader playing a vital role in the National Assembly.
  • Keywords: Tong Thi Phong, Vice Chairwoman National Assembly, Female parliamentary leader Vietnam.
The Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly of Vietnam – Tong Thi Phong
  1. Trương Thị Mai: High-Ranking Party Leader

Ms. Trương Thị Mai served as the former Permanent Member of the Secretariat and Head of the Central Organizing Commission, holding a critical role in Party building and the political system.

  • Significance: A key female leader within the Communist Party of Vietnam apparatus.
  • Keywords: Truong Thi Mai, Permanent Member of Secretariat, Communist Party of Vietnam leader, High-ranking female politician.
The Standing Member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam since March 2023 – TRƯƠNG THỊ MAI

 

And many other female Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Chairpersons/Vice Chairpersons of provincial/city People’s Committees across various terms, making quiet but impactful contributions to all aspects of political and social life.

 

 

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IV. Female Entrepreneurs & Economic-Financial Influencers: Driving Economic GrowthFemale Entrepreneurs & Economic-Financial Influencers: Driving Economic Growth

These women have significantly propelled Vietnam’s robust economic development and achieved international prominence, particularly in the financial sector.

  1. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo: Self-Made Billionaire & Aviation Innovator

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo is the CEO of VietJet Air, one of the rare self-made female billionaires globally, and also the Chairwoman of Sovico Group (a diversified investment group including finance). She revolutionized Vietnam’s low-cost aviation industry.

  • Significance: First self-made female billionaire, pioneer in the aviation industry, prominent economic leader.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietnamese female billionaire, VietJet Air CEO, Sovico Group, Female entrepreneur Vietnam.
  1. Thái Hương: The Queen of Clean Milk & High-Tech Agriculture Pioneer

Ms. Thái Hương is the General Director of TH Group (TH true MILK), a pioneer in Vietnam’s clean milk industry and the development of high-tech agriculture.

  • Significance: Founder of the clean milk industry, innovative agricultural leader.
  • Keywords: Thai Huong, TH true MILK, Clean milk Vietnam, High-tech agriculture, Female agricultural entrepreneur.
  1. Mai Kiều Liên: The Influential Leader of Vinamilk Dairy Giant

Ms. Mai Kiều Liên is the General Director of Vinamilk, Vietnam’s leading dairy company. She played a major role in establishing Vinamilk as a top dairy brand not only in Vietnam but also internationally.

  • Significance: Talented female leader, propelled a Vietnamese brand to global recognition.
  • Keywords: Mai Kieu Lien, Vinamilk CEO, Leading dairy company Vietnam, Vietnamese female business leader.
  1. Nguyễn Thị Nga: Chairwoman of Diversified BRG Group

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nga is the Chairwoman of BRG Group, an influential diversified conglomerate with interests in banking, hospitality, golf courses, and real estate.

  • Significance: Powerful female entrepreneur across key economic sectors.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Nga, BRG Group, Vietnamese banking, Vietnamese hospitality, Diversified female entrepreneur.
  1. Cao Thị Ngọc Dung: The Queen of PNJ Jewelry

Ms. Cao Thị Ngọc Dung is the Chairwoman of PNJ (Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company), one of Vietnam’s largest jewelry retailers.

  • Significance: Female leader in the jewelry industry, built a national brand.
  • Keywords: Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, PNJ jewelry, Vietnamese jewelry brand, Gems and gold business Vietnam.
  1. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền: FPT Corporation’s Pioneering Female CFO

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền serves as Deputy General Director and CFO of FPT Corporation, contributing significantly to the global growth of one of Vietnam’s leading technology conglomerates.

  • Significance: Key female leader in the information technology sector.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, FPT Corporation, Vietnamese IT industry, Female tech leader Vietnam.

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V. Female Artists, Athletes, Scientists & Educators: Bringing Glory to the Nation

These individuals have brought renown to Vietnam on the international stage and hold significant influence in various diverse fields.

  1. Mỹ Tâm: Vietnam’s Pop Diva & Music Icon

Mỹ Tâm is a leading Vietnamese “pop diva,” widely recognized for her talent and enduring music career, consistently maintaining her top position in the public’s heart.

  • Significance: Music icon, top Vietnamese singer.
  • Keywords: My Tam, Vietnamese pop diva, Famous Vietnamese singer, Vietnamese music icon.
  1. Hồ Ngọc Hà: Versatile Entertainer & Influential Artist

Hồ Ngọc Hà is a highly influential singer and entertainment artist, known for her unique style and diverse activities within Vietnam’s entertainment industry.

  • Significance: Versatile artist, style icon, highly influential in entertainment.
  • Keywords: Ho Ngoc Ha, Vietnamese entertainer, Famous Vietnamese singer, Style icon Vietnam.
  1. Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên: The Legendary “Little Mermaid” of Vietnamese Swimming

Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên is a talented Vietnamese swimmer who has won numerous gold medals at the SEA Games and other international competitions, bringing glory to national sports.

  • Significance: Outstanding swimmer, SEA Games legend, pride of Vietnamese sports.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Anh Vien, Vietnamese swimmer, Vietnam SEA Games gold medalist, Vietnamese athlete.
  1. Nguyễn Thị Oanh: The Queen of Vietnamese Middle & Long-Distance Running

Nguyễn Thị Oanh is an outstanding female track and field athlete, winning many SEA Games gold medals in middle and long distances, demonstrating extraordinary endurance and willpower.

  • Significance: Queen of track and field, exceptional athlete, symbol of perseverance.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Oanh, Vietnamese athletics, SEA Games athlete, Vietnamese runner.
  1. Nguyễn Thị Thật: Vietnam’s Leading Female Cyclist

Nguyễn Thị Thật is a prominent Vietnamese female cyclist, a former SEA Games gold medalist with many impressive achievements on the international stage.

  • Significance: Leading female cyclist, pride of Vietnamese sports.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi That, Vietnamese cycling, Female cyclist Vietnam.
  1. Prof. Dr. Hoàng Thị Kim Dung: Pioneering Female Scientist in Biotechnology

Prof. Dr. Hoàng Thị Kim Dung is a prominent female scientist in the field of biotechnology and medicine, with significant research and contributions.

  • Significance: Leading female scientist, expert in biotechnology.
  • Keywords: Hoang Thi Kim Dung, Biotechnology science Vietnam, Vietnamese female scientist.
  1. Prof. Dr. Lê Thị Hoài Châu: Leading Expert in Information Technology

Prof. Dr. Lê Thị Hoài Châu is a computer scientist and a leading expert in the field of information technology, contributing to the development of the IT sector in Vietnam.

  • Significance: Top IT expert, female computer scientist.
  • Keywords: Le Thi Hoai Chau, Information technology Vietnam, Female computer scientist.
  1. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Lộc: Dedicated Educator & Former University Rector

Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Lộc served as the former Rector of Hanoi National University of Education, making significant contributions to Vietnam’s education sector.

  • Significance: Devoted educator, female leader in teacher training.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi My Loc, Vietnamese education, Hanoi National University of Education, Female educator Vietnam.
  1. Painter Nguyễn Thị Kim Đức: Female Artist with Vietnamese Soul in Every Brushstroke

Painter Nguyễn Thị Kim Đức is a famous female painter known for her works with strong national characteristics, which have been exhibited and gained recognition at many international exhibitions.

  • Significance: Talented female artist, spreading Vietnamese culture through art.
  • Keywords: Nguyen Thi Kim Duc, Vietnamese painter, Vietnamese traditional art, International art exhibitions.

 

And many other exemplary female doctors and educators who have quietly dedicated themselves to the healthcare and education sectors, contributing to building a better society.

This list is just a small representation of the countless talented and distinguished women of Vietnam. Each of them, regardless of their field, has left a profound mark, contributing significantly to shaping and making Vietnam what it is today.

 

 

#VietnameseWomen #WomenOfVietnam #FemaleLeadersVietnam #VietnameseHeroines #InspiringWomen #VietnameseCulture #WomenInHistory #VietnamStrong #FemaleGenerals #FemaleEntrepreneurs #FemaleArtists #FemaleAthletes #FemaleScientists #VietnameseTrailblazers #EmpoweredWomen #HerStoryVietnam

 

 

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