Hmong Women Today

(Baonghean) - The image of Mong Ky Son ethnic women in the past was often associated with baskets and socks. They only knew how to go to the fields every day, lacking and disadvantaged in every way. But today, along with the general development, the role and position of Mong Ky Son women have been raised. Many of them have overcome the concepts and constraints of customs and practices, making many contributions to society.

A typical example is Dr. Vu Y Xu, the first Mong person to graduate from a regular medical university. She is not only the pride of her family and clan but also of all Mong women in Ky Son. Her efforts to rise up are proof of the change and progress of Mong women in Ky Son today. She confided, "I was born and raised in the village, witnessing the hardships of my parents and the people every day, so I was determined to study well to change my life and I chose the medical profession with the hope of being able to treat illnesses for my people."

Mong women in Luu Kien commune (Tuong Duong) participate in the National Assembly election.
Photo: Thanh Le

In the past, Mong women were bound by the notion that "girls don't need to study much, when they grow up they will get married". Therefore, only about ten years ago, more than 80% of Mong women in Ky Son were illiterate. Only after puberty did Mong girls drop out of school to follow their husbands. Their lives revolved around farming. Whenever guests came to the house, Mong women were not allowed to sit at the same table with the guests. They were bound by customs, habits, and old lifestyles and cultures.

Nowadays, Mong women have actively participated in social activities. They actively participate in mass organizations such as women's organizations, youth organizations, etc. Names such as doctor Vu Y Xu, teacher Ly Y Xu, women's cadre Vu Y Mai, etc. have been honored many times. In addition, the economic development movement of women has also been promoted. More and more women participate in farm economy, services, business, etc. The position of women in the family has also been raised thanks to that. Mong girls no longer have to drop out of school early to follow their husbands like before.

Ms. Lo Thi Phuong - President of Ky Son District Women's Union said: "From a place of limited awareness, most Mong women now enthusiastically participate in social activities and improve their professional culture. To raise awareness among the people, in recent times we have actively promoted the law on gender equality to all branches, especially to key cadres of the commune and village."

Although there has been much progress, compared to the general level, Mong women still suffer many disadvantages. More than ever, the promotion of gender equality needs to be further promoted. There are, but need more gender equality clubs, useful models of activities for Mong women in particular and ethnic minority women in general to have the opportunity to exchange and learn.

Phan Tam