Dong Nai women in the new era of national rise

Throughout history, Vietnamese women have always shined with their spirit of sacrifice, courage, and resilience. Entering the new era of renovation and integration, they continue to affirm their role, intellect, and aspiration to rise across all aspects of life.

In Dong Nai, a land known for its dynamism and creativity, women are not only the “warm flame” of every family but also pioneers in production, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Daring to think, daring to act

Sometimes, big dreams begin with the smallest things. For Pham Thi Thanh Truc, Deputy Director and Co-founder of Dong Nai Vaccination Center (Trang Dai Ward, Dong Nai Province), her startup journey began with the concern that parents had to travel far to find vaccines for their children. In 2018, at just 26 years old, Truc decided to invest in the preventive healthcare sector. That April, Dong Nai Vaccination Center was established.

Pham Thi Thanh Truc (right) meets with clients at Dong Nai Vaccination Center. Photo: Hien Luong

The entrepreneurial journeys of many Dong Nai women often begin with the modest ideas but are fueled by their determination and a desire to contribute. Whether in healthcare, agriculture, or services, they share a common spirit: daring to think, daring to act, and daring to change to spread positive values to the community.

In Bu Gia Map Commune, the Co Hai Organic Pepper model by Vo Thi Hien is a vivid example of innovation in agriculture. From a traditional pepper grower, Hien boldly invested in deep processing and built the Co Hai Organic Pepper brand, committed to a chemical-free, safe product for consumers. She also partnered with local farmers to produce dried fruit, expanding the clean agricultural value chain. Her model not only helps improve her family’s income but also inspired others to adoptsustainable production, adding value to local agricultural products.

In the new era of national rise, women of all ages, whether youthful and energetic or experienced and wise, are asserting themselves and contributing to positive changes in society.

In Phuoc Long Ward, businesswoman Nguyen Thi Van Oanh is a shining example of how “wisdom grows with age”, showing that the elderly can lead by example in production and business. At 67, she still leads Thanh Minh Ngoc Production Trading and Service Co., Ltd., which specializes in roasted salted cashew nuts and white cashew kernels. The company consistently operates profitably, producing around 5,000 tons of raw cashews annually, with a revenue of about 150 billion VND and providing stable jobs for 100 workers.

The mark of Dong Nai women’s movements

According to Bui Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Women’s Union, women play a crucial role in today’s wave of entrepreneurship and digital transformation, as both drivers of innovation and key links for sustainable and equitable development.

Nguyen Thi Van Oanh guides workers in sorting cashew nuts. Photo: H. Luong

“In the coming time, the union will continue to enhance women’s digital capabilities through training skills in technology use, online business, fanpage management, and e-commerce sales. We will also connect women with financial institutions such as banks and credit funds to help them access preferential loans and develop viable business plans. In addition, the union also hosts the annual “Women’s Entrepreneurship Day”, which serves as an investment-networking platform that helps the women to promote products and seek investment partners,” Hanh said.

“With their spirit of daring to think and act in the waves of entrepreneurship and digital transformation, Dong Nai women are not only creating jobs and increasing household income, but also spreading creativity and adaptability across the community.”

Bui Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Women’s Union

In recent years, the women’s movements in Dong Nai have undergone strong innovation in both content and methods, becoming increasingly practical and effective. The women’s unions at all levels have demonstrated unity, creativity, and dynamism, making positive contributions to local socio-economic development, national defense, and the great national solidarity bloc. Prominent movements include Empowering Vietnamese women in the new era; the campaigns “Building Families with Five Nos, Three Cleans” and “Families with Five Haves, Three Cleans”, which are closely linked tobuilding new-style rural areas and civilized urban areas, achieving practical results. Local unions have also promoted women’s entrepreneurship, digital transformation, social welfare, and environmental protection, building a stronger organizational foundation.

To achieve these results, the Dong Nai Women’s Union has continuously innovated its approach, focusing on grassroots activities and taking members’ needs as the center. Following the motto “The union’s activities always support women wherever they are”, union officials practice the “Three togethers” approach with the union branches: together listening to women, together communicating in ways they can understand, and together taking action to encourage their engagement.

Alongside mobilizing members in residential areas, the union has also established various models for specific groups such as female workers, female small traders, ethnic minority women, and women of religious communities. It has launched practical models such as “Women’s entrepreneurship”, “Women supporting one another in economic development,” “Women’s savings groups,”, and the application of digital tools in union activities.

Today, nearly 2,000 female-led startup models are operating effectively across the province, leaving a strong mark and affirming the role and position of women in this new era.

In Dong Nai’s ongoing journey of progress, countless women continue to contribute quietly with their intellect, perseverance, and compassion. Regardless of age or field, from production and business to entrepreneurship and social work, they shine through their courage, creativity, and dedication. The women of Dong Nai today embody the spirit of the new era: Confidence – Bravery – Compassion – Creativity, making this an era of powerful and inspiring transformation.

By Hien Luong – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha