Practical support for women workers

Women account for approximately 60% of the 1.4 million employees working at businesses in Dong Nai. Trade Unions at all levels and businesses are paying increasing attention to improving women workers’ living conditions, protecting their rights and creating opportunities for their development through a wide range of practical initiatives.

Representatives of the grassroots Trade Union at Dong Phu Cuong Joint Stock Company in Thong Nhat Commune present gifts to employees ahead of Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20.

From welfare policies and healthcare services to childcare support, numerous programs have helped female workers feel more secure in their jobs and maintain long-term ties with their employers.

Addressing practical needs

To mark Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20, leaders of Dong Phu Cuong Joint Stock Company in Thong Nhat Commune, in coordination with the company’s grassroots Trade Union, visited production workshops to extend greetings and present gifts to female employees. Women account for more than 80% of the company’s workforce of over 2,600 employees. Although modest in monetary value, the gifts offered encouragement and helped workers feel the care and support of both the Trade Union and the company.

Le Thi Thu Hong, a worker at Dong Phu Cuong Joint Stock Company, said: “On occasions dedicated to women, we all hope to receive attention and encouragement from our company and Trade Union. Even a small gift means a lot. When Trade Union representatives visit each production workshop to offer congratulations and present gifts, it brings the festive atmosphere directly to our workplace and makes us feel appreciated.”

At many businesses, initiatives to support women workers have become increasingly varied, tailored to production conditions and employees’ actual needs. In addition to providing benefits and implementing policies as required by law, many grassroots Trade Unions have proactively advised employers on improving working conditions, arranging regular health checkups, paying visits to female union members facing hardship or suffering from serious illnesses, giving gifts on holidays and at Tet, and organizing cultural, artistic and sporting exchange activities.

Efforts to support women workers have also taken the form of long-term initiatives, such as providing dedicated rooms for expressing and storing breast milk for women with young children and organizing thematic talks to equip them with knowledge about childcare, child-rearing and building happy families. Activities to recognize and reward outstanding women workers, along with the “Good at Work, Responsible at Home” emulation movement, are maintained annually, helping acknowledge women's efforts in both their working and personal lives.

Dang Thi Thom, Chairwoman of the grassroots Trade Union at Dona Pacific (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. in Binh Minh Commune, said the company supports women workers through a variety of practical activities that create a cheerful atmosphere and strengthen solidarity among employees. Every year, the Trade Union organizes home economics competitions for women, sporting events and cultural activities. It also coordinates the implementation of support policies for pregnant employees and those raising young children. These efforts help foster a friendly and equitable workplace where women can develop their abilities, work with peace of mind and build long-term careers with the company.

For women workers, especially those raising young children, balancing employment and family responsibilities remains a major challenge. Timely support from employers and Trade Unions is therefore important in easing their difficulties and helping them maintain stable lives. Thom noted that practical assistance includes gifts for employees facing hardship, support and sympathy during illness, and prompt clarification of questions about benefits and workplace policies. Such actions help women workers see more clearly that their Trade Union stands alongside them.

Creating opportunities for women workers to thrive

Alongside improving living conditions, protecting women workers’ lawful and legitimate rights and interests remains a key responsibility of Trade Unions at all levels. Regular monitoring focuses on benefits for women, particularly maternity benefits, rest periods, working conditions and gender equality requirements. These efforts are strengthened through workplace dialogue and collective bargaining, with collective labor agreements incorporating provisions that benefit women workers.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Tin, Chairwoman of the grassroots Trade Union at Chien Vietnam Furniture MFG. Co., Ltd. in Tam Phuoc Ward, said workplace dialogue enables the union to understand female members’ concerns and aspirations and promptly propose solutions to problems that arise. For pregnant employees and those raising young children, in particular, it is essential to arrange suitable duties, ensure safe and healthy working conditions, and provide all benefits to which they are entitled. This is also an employer’s responsibility and demonstrates respect for employees.

Legal communication and education activities have also been expanded to make information more accessible to women workers, especially those working shifts who have little time to attend group meetings. Social media, grassroots Trade Union information groups and digital platforms are helping deliver information on labor policies, social insurance, reproductive health and gender equality more quickly and conveniently.

Bui Thi Bich Thuy, vice chairwoman of the Dong Nai City Labor Federation, said the federation would hold its “Worker Meetup” program on October 17 under the theme “Mastering Emotions — The Key to Success in the Workplace.” The program will discuss common emotional challenges arising from work pressure and family responsibilities, as well as skills for managing stress, disagreements and situations frequently encountered at work. It will also highlight the role of Trade Unions in improving workers’ emotional well-being, providing support, standing alongside union members and protecting their legitimate rights and interests.

Providing effective support for women workers brings tangible benefits to both employees and businesses. When their rights are protected, their health is looked after, and they are given opportunities for development, women workers can work with greater peace of mind, improve their productivity and the quality of their work, and develop stronger ties with their employers.

Bui Thi Bich Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai City Labor Federation

To help women workers become more proactive and confident in their jobs, Trade Unions at all levels should encourage them to pursue further education, improve their professional qualifications and occupational skills, adopt new technologies, and actively participate in emulation movements promoting excellent performance and workplace innovation. These efforts will enable women workers to make better use of their abilities, increase their incomes and gradually strengthen their roles and standing in both businesses and society.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho