Many models supporting female workers

Dong Nai, one of the localities with a large workforce nationwide, has a significant proportion of female workers (FWs) in its industrial parks. Therefore, trade unions at all levels and enterprises in the province have focused on implementing many practical models to care for the material and spiritual lives of FWs.

A worker at Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Ltd. feels secure storing milk for her child in the company’s breast-pumping and milk-storage room. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Various activities, from health support and meal improvement to cultural and sports activities, have helped FWs feel secure and remain committed to their enterprises in the long term.

Practical model of breast-pumping and milk-storage rooms

Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Ltd., an export garment manufacturer in Bac Dong Phu Industrial Park, Dong Nai province, currently has about 3,500 workers, of whom FWs account for more than 70%. With a large female workforce, the enterprise has invested in a breast‑pumping and milk‑storage room to facilitate its FWs in breastfeeding their children. The room is equipped with tables, chairs, breast pumps, sterilizers, refrigerators, and milk storage bags.

Medical staff guide workers on how to use the equipment when they come to pump milk, and information about the benefits of breastfeeding is also provided so that FWs clearly understand and ensure a nutritious milk supply for their babies. Le Thi Lan, a worker at the company, shared: “Since the company arranged the breast‑pumping and milk‑storage room, I feel more reassured going to work while still maintaining milk for my child. The private and clean space, along with the milk storage refrigerator, makes pumping and storing milk much more convenient. This is a very practical care policy for FWs.”

The implementation of appropriate care models not only improves workers’ quality of life but also contributes to building a stable and sustainable working environment. Through welfare programs and practical support at enterprises, many FWs have benefited from better working and living conditions.

Nguyen Thi Mai Chi, Chairwoman of the grassroots Trade Union of Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Ltd., said that due to strict requirements from partners regarding the working environment, especially for FWs, the company has continuously improved working conditions and policies for them. Specifically, FWs who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not pressured with production quotas; breastfeeding mothers can leave one hour earlier each day; and convenient parking areas are arranged for pregnant FWs. The breast‑pumping and milk‑storage room is a highlight, meeting the needs of most FWs who wish to breastfeed their babies.

The breast-pumping and milk storage room model has also been replicated at many enterprises across the province, typically at Grand Gain Footwear Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (in Dong Xoai II Industrial Park, Dong Nai province), where the room has been in use since 2019, helping many FWs with young children, ensuring their children continue to receive breast milk and develop well.

Helping FWs feel secure in production

At many enterprises, care models for FWs are implemented flexibly, tailored to each unit. Activities such as women’s volleyball tournaments, cultural exchanges, cooking contests, or seminars on reproductive health care and child-rearing are regularly organized. These activities contribute to creating a healthy environment, helping FWs relieve stress after working hours while strengthening solidarity within the workforce.

Beyond providing their FWs with spiritual care, many enterprises have implemented practical support programs such as visiting FWs in difficult circumstances, giving gifts on holidays, awarding scholarships to workers’ children who overcome difficulties and achieve good academic results, or organizing “Trade Union Meals” to ensure more nutritious meals for employees at the workplace. At the same time, some enterprises have introduced mini-supermarkets, helping FWs access essential goods at affordable prices right at the workplace, saving time after shifts.

Pham Thi Yen Nghi, a worker at Dona Pacific (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. (Binh Minh commune), said the care from the enterprise and Trade Union has helped workers feel secure and attached to their jobs. “ The company and Trade Union not only ensure stable employment, but also regularly visit workers and give them gifts during holidays and Tet and provide support to those facing difficulties,” she shared.

Phan Toi Tho Hiep, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union of Tokin Electronics (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. (located in Long Binh ward), said that in recent years the company’s Trade Union has maintained the organization of collective birthday celebrations for workers. This model not only brings joy to workers but also strengthens solidarity within the collective. Recently, on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Trade Union organized gift presentations for all FWs, showing care and recognition for their contributions to production activities.

The implementation of flexible care models not only helps FWs improve their living conditions but also brings direct benefits to enterprises. In fact, enterprises with good welfare policies for FWs often maintain low staff turnover rates, stable labor productivity, and stronger solidarity among workers.

According to Bui Thi Bich Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial Labor Federation, to promote the role and position of FWs, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Labor Federation has issued many programs guiding trade unions at all levels to effectively carry out women-related work. Through practical activities, trade unions at all levels have introduced many innovative and creative approaches, contributing to caring for and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of FWs. They also support and create conditions for FWs to feel secure in production, actively study, and improve their skills.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha