A special club helps women fight against domestic violence.

For over 10 years, this club has helped many families facing hardship find happiness again, becoming a model women's club throughout the province.

Eliminate prejudice

Around midday, the general store and motorbike repair shop owned by Ms. Nguyen Thi Quang (born in 1975, Vinh Long hamlet, Nghi Long commune, Nghi Loc district) still had many customers coming and going. With her husband away, Ms. Quang took on the task of replacing motorbike chains and tires for customers.

Watching her quick and energetic movements, Mrs. Tran Thi Hanh – a member of the Club – commented.Preventing domestic violenceA resident of Vinh Long village laughed heartily and said: "Ms. Quang is a modern woman, skilled at both household chores and business, not inferior to men. She may look slender, but whenever her husband is away, she takes on the job of repairing motorbikes and bicycles. Her mentor is none other than Mr. Tran Minh Phuong (born in 1974) - her husband."

When work was over, Ms. Quang shared that she and her husband are both self-employed, married, and had their first daughter in 2000, followed by two more daughters in 2007 and 2012.

“If it were a perfect family, perhaps everyone would hope to have both sons and daughters. And perhaps because of that thought, for the past 12 years, since the birth of our youngest child, many people have asked my husband why he doesn't 'force' me to have another child to have a son. Mr. Phuong often casually replies to everyone: 'A good child is more important than a son!' My husband's viewpoint was reinforced by the support of the ladies and gentlemen in the neighborhood's Domestic Violence Prevention Club. Over time, we have become more understanding and steadfast in our beliefs,” Ms. Quang confided.

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Instead of worrying about having sons or daughters, many women in Vinh Long village dedicate their time to nurturing their families, creating an environment where their children can grow up happy and full of love.

This shift in perception was significantly contributed to by the members of the neighborhood's "Anti-Violence Club linked to the promotion of moral education and lifestyle within families."

Nguyen Duc Loc - Secretary of the Party Committee of Nghi Long Commune

Adding to the conversation, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dung, Chairman of the Nghi Long Commune People's Committee, shared: The "Anti-Violence Club linked with the promotion of moral education and lifestyle in the family" in Vinh Long hamlet was established in 2013 with nearly 100 members, both male and female.

What is commendable is that throughout the past 10 years, there have been many very active members. For example, Ms. Tran Thi Hanh (born in 1962) - who has been dedicated to the role of Head of the Women's Association in the hamlet for 20 years.

While actively involved in association work and implementing club programs, she helped many families better understand gender equality. As a result, domestic violence gradually decreased, and women became increasingly confident in asserting their value in life. She has three daughters, but she is always proud of them and encourages them to develop according to their abilities. This open-minded approach has made her a pioneer in dispelling old prejudices and spreading positive thinking to many families in the neighborhood.

De-escalating violence through understanding.

Mr. Dang Khac Duong, Secretary of the Vinh Long Hamlet Party Branch and Chairman of the Domestic Violence Prevention Club, said: "In more than 10 years of operation, the club members have encountered many 'heartbreakingly funny' stories."

For example, there might be a case where a wife comes home late from volleyball practice, and her husband angrily locks the gate, refusing to let her in. Or there are some husbands who have had too much to drink, come home, and are reprimanded by their wives, leading to arguments and even physical altercations. Sometimes, just an unintentional remark or a rumor from outside can cause misunderstandings and resentment between husband and wife that last for a whole week, creating tension in the family.

During those times, club members would exchange ideas and find appropriate approaches. They would often meet individually to listen, share, and objectively assess the issue. Once both parties had come to understand each other, the club would arrange a group meeting, creating an opportunity for the couple to have an open conversation and resolve misunderstandings. Thanks to this persistence and subtle, gentle approach, many families have found ways to resolve their conflicts.

Mr. Duong said that, in order to change people's perceptions, the club not only stops at propaganda and counseling sessions but also creates theatrical skits, bringing everyday stories to the stage to convey messages in a vivid and easy-to-understand way.

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In 2024, at the "Understanding the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence and the 'Happy Family' Club" competition organized by the Department of Culture and Sports, many members of the Domestic Violence Prevention Club of Vinh Long hamlet participated and excellently won second prize. This made them one of the exemplary clubs for women in Nghe An province.
In addition, the club integrates its awareness campaigns into cultural exchange events, village meetings, and commemorative occasions. Thanks to this flexible approach, messages about gender equality and preventing domestic violence become easily understood and absorbed.

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“In 2012 and 2013, before the club was established, the percentage of culturally exemplary families in the hamlet was only over 80%. Now, that number has increased to 98.4%.”

Notably, over the past five years, there have been no divorces in the area. These figures are not only the result of a successful model but also a testament to a change in awareness and the silent efforts of club members to preserve happiness in many families.”

Ms. Dang Thi Quynh Hoa - President of the Women's Union of Nghi Long Commune