A key force in advancing gender equality

As an organization representing the legitimate rights and interests of women, the Dong Nai Women's Union has, in recent years, affirmed its pivotal role in promoting gender equality and creating equal opportunities for women to realize their potential and contribute to society.

Ethnic minority women in Xuan Phu commune voice their opinions at a dialogue conference jointly organized by the Dong Nai Provincial Women's Union (DNWU) (now Dong Nai City) and the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in November 2025.

The Women's Union at all levels has intensified communication efforts to raise awareness among members, women, and the wider community about gender equality, gradually eliminating gender stereotypes and barriers that hinder women's advancement.

Changing perceptions on gender roles

This is one of the key objectives pursued by authorities and organizations at all levels, including the DNWU, to achieve substantive gender equality.

Pham Thi Duyen, Chairwoman of Thong Nhat commune Women's Union, said that in addition to communication activities conducted through branch and group meetings, the local Women's Union has proactively coordinated with relevant agencies to organize direct outreach programs for women members and local residents. The union has also incorporated gender equality themes into conferences and specialized discussions held on occasions commemorating women.

Moreover, the commune continues to effectively maintain Happy Family Clubs and gender-based violence prevention clubs, thereby improving public awareness and promoting equal, progressive, and happy families.

Alongside communication campaigns, training courses, and thematic activities, Women's Union chapters at all levels have actively disseminated communication products through digital platforms and organized online contests to raise awareness of gender equality and promote family values among members and the wider community. Recently, Da Kia commune Women's Union launched an online contest, "Da Kia Women – Learning about laws on gender equality," for women members across the locality. Through multiple-choice questions on gender equality, the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control, and happy family building, participants can deepen their understanding of gender equality and violence prevention while strengthening family values.

Through Project 8, “Promoting Gender Equality and Addressing Urgent Issues for Women and Children,” Women's Union chapters have introduced numerous effective initiatives, contributing to changes in gender perceptions in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

Vu Thi Nguyet, Chairwoman of the Dak O commune Women's Union, said that community communication teams have been established in all villages of the commune. These teams regularly visit households to raise awareness of gender equality, domestic violence prevention, and child marriage prevention, while encouraging residents to change outdated perceptions and practices, gradually eliminate gender stereotypes, and enhance the status of women.

Since 2021, through the implementation of Project 8, Dong Nai has established and maintained 46 community communication teams, sustained five communication models, and organized various contests that promote gender equality, eliminate outdated customs, and build civilized lifestyles among ethnic minority communities. Meanwhile, local authorities and Women's Union chapters have replicated models to change traditional mindsets and practices, and have organized dialogue sessions with ethnic minority women. These activities have helped women better understand gender equality policies and encouraged them to contribute more actively to local development.

The 14th National Congress of Vietnamese Women for the 2026-2031 tenure is scheduled to take place in Hanoi on June 17-18, bringing together nearly 800 delegates. The Congress is expected to review the achievements of women's movements and the Women's Union during the previous term, while setting out directions, objectives, tasks, and solutions for the 2026-2031 period.

Enhancing women's role and status

The political report presented at the first Dong Nai Women's Congress for the 2025-2030 term affirmed that women from all walks of life have made significant efforts and achieved encouraging results across various fields.

In the political sphere, more women have been entrusted with leadership and management positions, reflecting their growing role in public administration and policymaking. Economically, women entrepreneurs have made significant contributions to local development by expanding production and business activities while demonstrating increasing adaptability in a dynamic market environment.

Meanwhile, women working in science and technology, healthcare, and education have continually enhanced their professional expertise and applied technological advances to improve their work performance. Female workers have also actively participated in emulation movements, contributed to building prosperous and happy families, and engaged in a wide range of community activities.

Bui Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the DNWU, attributed these positive changes to the attention and support provided by authorities at all levels, from the central government to local administrations.

She noted that Women's Union chapters across the city have actively advised Party committees and authorities on the development of female personnel. They have coordinated reviews of female officials and proposed training and inclusion of qualified women in leadership and management planning, while also organizing programs to enhance leadership, management, and gender mainstreaming skills for female officials.

To promote women's participation in economic development, Women's Union chapters have served as connectors in mobilizing resources, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting women in accessing loans to start businesses, expand production, and achieve sustainable poverty reduction. During the 2021-2025 term, Women's Union organizations at all levels supported more than 3,600 women in starting businesses or launching entrepreneurial ventures. They also helped establish 6 enterprises, 17 cooperatives, and 99 cooperative groups managed by women.

In addition, the DNWU annually organizes Women Startup Day, featuring a series of activities aimed at fostering and spreading the entrepreneurial spirit among women members.

Through these initiatives, the Women's Union has played an important role in breaking down gender stereotypes and expanding opportunities for women to participate in socio-economic development. At the same time, its efforts have enabled women to build confidence, demonstrate their capabilities, and make increasingly meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and society as a whole.

By N. Son – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho