Borderland women support each other to overcome hardships

Located in a remote border area adjacent to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Dak O commune is one of the most isolated communes in Dong Nai province. Through mutual sharing, support, and active involvement by the Women’s Union of the commune, numerous effective models and movements have been established. These initiatives not only help women gradually escape poverty and stabilize their lives but also affirm their vital roles within families and society.

The Women’s Coffee Growing Group in hamlet 3, Dak O commune, is formed in response to the needs and aspirations of local women’s union members. Photo: Thanh Nga

Helping each other with the most minor things

The Women’s Coffee Growing Group in hamlet 3, Dak O commune, which has more than 30 members, is one of the vocational groups established based on the needs and aspirations of residents in the locality, especially women union members. Although the area specializes in coffee cultivation, most households in hamlet 3 grow coffee on a small scale and rely mainly on experiential knowledge. Alongside the establishment of the group, the Commune Women’s Union has also collaborated with agricultural engineers to visit farms and provide technical advice and guidance on coffee cultivation to the local community.

Encouraged by this progress, Luu Thi Thanh, a member of the group, shared: “Joining the group under the guidance of the Women’s Union has connected us with agricultural engineers to better care for our coffee gardens. The model is proving effective, and the members’ economic conditions will certainly improve.”

As a border commune with many geographical challenges, Dak O’s Women’s Union has actively supported its members in building brands and exploring new business directions, leveraging the successes of grassroots literacy campaigns and digital transformation programs. Platforms like Facebook and Zalo, which were once primarily used for entertainment, are now utilized by women to conduct business, mainly selling distinctive products from the border region.

Le Thi Nui, a resident in the locality, said, “I invested in a livestream studio and regularly stream live to share with customers the processes involved in harvesting and consulting on bird’s nest products. Initially, I only sold to customers within the commune, but now I have expanded the market, creating jobs for many other union members.”

“In addition to participating in emulation movements launched at various levels, the women of Dak O Commune are always striving to explore and apply the conveniences of digital life. From there, they have created a unique image of borderland women united, supportive, and rising together from even the smallest of efforts.”

Vu Thi Nguyet, Chairwoman of the Dak O Commune Women’s Union

Seizing on current lifestyle trends, the Dak O Commune Women’s Union has launched the Facebook page "Chợ số – Nông thôn số xã Đăk Ơ" ("Digital Market - Digital Countryside of Dak O Commune") over the past two months.

This digital marketplace functions by displaying and trading a wide range of locally produced products, each reflecting the distinct identity and cultural essence of the women’s union members. From cashew nuts and black pepper to vegetables and fruits, all goods are produced and sold directly by the residents of the commune.

A source of strength at the border

The “Compassionate border market” (Phiên chợ biên giới nghĩa tình) was initiated by the Dak O Commune Women’s Union in 2022. True to its name, profits from each market session are used to build a fund that provides livelihood support for underprivileged women and orphans. Typically held once every quarter, the market offers a variety of items, including vegetables, fruits, and produce, mostly grown and prepared by women's union members in the commune.

Although these products are readily available at regular markets, many locals prefer to shop here. “I always tell my neighbors when the market is about to open, and we come together to support it. It’s a significant initiative by the women in our borderland,” said Vo Thi Cam, a resident of hamlet 9, Dak O commune.

Each market session typically lasts only about an hour, after which the profits are added to the community support fund as regulated. According to the Dak O Commune Women’s Union, over the past five years, hundreds of tons of agricultural products from local residents have been sold through these sessions. Profits from the markets have supported the provision of 20 livelihood packages for disadvantaged women, monthly financial assistance for 9 orphaned children, and the distribution of hundreds of gift sets during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year).

A member of the Dak O Commune Women’s Union livestreams to sell locally produced agricultural specialties

“Depending on individual needs, we allocate funds and offer appropriate forms of support. Some are provided with sugarcane juice carts, while others are given cows or goats. For children, we help cover educational expenses. Through these efforts, we aim to spread love and compassion throughout the community.” said Vu Thi Nguyet, Chairwoman of the Dak O Commune Women’s Union.

For women in remote border communes like Dak O, life presents numerous challenges, particularly due to geographical isolation. However, with the practical support of the local Women’s Union, they have made significant strides in improving their livelihoods, preserving their cultural identity, and actively contributing to the building of a prosperous and thriving homeland.

By Thanh Nga - Translated by Hong Van, Minho