Vietnam has a special day, October 20th, dedicated to honoring the importance and role of women in society. This day is known as Vietnamese Women’s Day.
Vietnamese Women: Rising Strong, Affirming Equal Status in Modern Society
Gender equality is no longer a foreign or “unusual” concept in Vietnam today. However, looking back at history, the position of Vietnamese women was once heavily influenced by old prejudices and remnants of feudal society. Today, Vietnamese society is rapidly developing, and gender equality has become an inevitable trend, strongly promoted with many outstanding achievements.
SPECIAL OUTLINE
Overcoming Historical Prejudices: Understand the traditional limitations and deeply rooted biases Vietnamese women faced, primarily confining their roles to domestic spheres.
The Impact of “Doi Moi” on Gender Equality: Explore how Vietnam’s comprehensive renovation policies and international integration have spurred a powerful shift towards promoting equal opportunities for women.
Governmental Commitment to Equality: Discover the active role of the Communist Party and the Vietnamese State in fostering gender equality through policies and laws, making it an inevitable trend and a sustainable development goal.
Women in Business Leadership: Recognize the increasing number of women who have become successful CEOs and founders of large companies, making significant contributions to Vietnam’s economic development.
Women in Political Governance: Witness the rise of women to high-level political positions within the National Assembly, Government, and ministries, actively participating in policy-making and national governance.
Broadening Influence in Society: Acknowledge the strong imprints women are making across various fields including science, education, healthcare, arts, culture, and sports, serving as excellent professionals and inspiring pioneers.
UNVEIL THE RESILIENCE AND STRENGTH OF VIETNAMESE WOMEN, WHO ARE RISING TO AFFIRM THEIR EQUAL STATUS AND LEADERSHIP IN EVERY FACET OF MODERN SOCIETY!
Now! Let’s unlock the inspiring journey of Vietnamese women, shaping a more equitable and prosperous nation!
1. From Old Prejudices to the “Preferring Men to Women” Mindset
In ancient feudal dynasties, as well as within the framework of traditional families and clans, the “preferring men to women” mindset was deeply rooted. Women were often underestimated, with their primary roles limited to cooking, caring for the family, and bearing children to continue the family lineage. They had few opportunities for education, participating in social activities, or holding important positions. Their status and voice in society, and even within their own families, were often not as valued as men’s. This created significant barriers, hindering the development and potential of Vietnamese women for a long time.
Historically, women’s roles were often undervalued, primarily confined to childbirth, homemaking, and domestic chores, while men were seen as superior and the main providers, leading to a pervasive preference for sons over daughters.
Note: The Femalism is a new term, Vietnamese women is day by day holding their estential roles in society. Please! click here to learn more!
2. Powerful Transformation: Gender Equality as an Inevitable Trend
Along with the flow of time, especially since Vietnam began its comprehensive Doi Moi (Renovation) and deep international integration, the awareness of women’s roles and equal rights has made remarkable progress. The Communist Party and the Vietnamese State have consistently promoted and implemented many policies and laws to foster gender equality, encouraging women to unleash their potential in all areas of life.
Gender equality is not just a slogan; it has become an inevitable, positive trend and one of the nation’s sustainable development goals. Policies on education, labor, healthcare, and political participation all aim to create equal opportunities
for both men and women.
Today, women are fully equal to men, protected by law, and are increasingly excelling in life, careers, and achieving balance within their families.
Vietnamese women shine brightly during the nation’s grand festival.
Note: To explore the list of Vietnamese billionaires, please click here!
3. Vietnamese Women Rising to Leadership Positions
The clearest evidence of the advancement of women’s rights in modern Vietnam is the increasing number of women holding key positions in many fields:
In Business: Many women have become CEOs, chairpersons of boards of directors, and successful founders of large companies and corporations, not only in Vietnam but also regionally and internationally. They directly contribute to economic development, job creation, and lead new business trends.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (CEO of Vietjet Air): One of the world’s few self-made female billionaires, who transformed Vietjet Air into a leading low-cost airline in the region.
Ms. Mai Kieu Lien (CEO of Vinamilk): A “female general” who has elevated Vinamilk into a national dairy brand and expanded it internationally, serving as a role model for leadership and business management.
In Political Leadership: The role of women in the Party and State is increasingly valued. Many women now hold high-level leadership positions in the National Assembly, Government, ministries, and local authorities. They directly participate in policy-making and national governance, demonstrating leadership capacity and innovative thinking.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (Former Chairwoman of the National Assembly): As the first female Chairwoman of the National Assembly in Vietnam’s history (2016-2021 term), Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan played a crucial role in directing the country’s legislative activities, demonstrating excellent leadership capacity at the highest level and becoming a symbol of the rise of Vietnamese women in politics.
Ms. Vo Thi Anh Xuan (Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam): One of the highest-ranking female leaders in the Party and State, demonstrating confidence in women’s leadership capabilities.
Ms. Truong Thi Mai (Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam): One of the core leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam, playing a vital role in shaping the country’s policies.
In Science and Society: Women are also making strong imprints in the fields of science, education, healthcare, arts, culture, and sports. They are not only excellent professionals but also pioneers, inspiring younger generations.
Prof. Dr. Hoang Nu Chan Ly (Biomedicine): A renowned scientist with numerous research works in biomedicine, contributing to the development of science and public health.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien (Former Minister of Health): The first female Minister of Health in Vietnam, with many important contributions to healthcare reform.
Nguyen Thi Anh Vien (Swimmer): “Little Mermaid” of Vietnamese swimming with multiple gold medals in regional and continental arenas, she is a symbol of willpower and perseverance in sports.
The increasing presence of women in important positions is not only a result of policy but also a testament to their competence, intelligence, and tireless dedication. This is contributing to changing social prejudices and creating a more equal working and living environment.
Today, numerous successful women hold or have held significant positions such as the Chairwoman of the National Assembly, Vice President, and chairpersons of many large corporations.
Conclusion
From past prejudices, Vietnamese women have embarked on a challenging journey to rise up and affirm their position. Modern Vietnamese society is witnessing the strong development of gender equality, where women are not only recognized for their abilities but also have equal opportunities to participate in and lead in all fields. This is an inevitable and positive trend, contributing to building a civilized, progressive, and prosperous Vietnam.
Representing the solidarity and importance of Vietnamese women