Women in Nghe An assert their role in the new era.

When women take charge

Eight years ago, despite graduating from Da Nang University of Economics and having work experience in major cities, Dang Thi Nga (from Yen Xuan commune) ultimately returned to her hometown, got married, and had children. Leaving the office environment and living without a job or income, Nga often questioned her purpose. However, as someone who grew up in the countryside and was deeply connected to farming, she decided to start a business using agricultural products from her hometown.

In 2017, noticing that people in Khai Son commune (formerly Anh Son district), where she lives, were growing a lot of fresh turmeric but had no place to sell it when it was time for harvest, she decided to pursue the business of producing turmeric powder. Her products have clear origins and reasonable prices, so the number of supporters has steadily increased. From just one product, turmeric powder, her business has now expanded to include many other cosmetic products such as shampoo, shower gel, grapefruit oil, lemongrass essential oil, and cereal powder.

After 8 years in operation, the facility now employs 10 workers and generates billions of dong in revenue annually. Her background as an economics student has greatly helped her in her entrepreneurial journey, especially in managing operations, approaching customers, and managing risks. Once the facility stabilized, she gradually built the "Kim Nhan Herbal Products" brand, participated in OCOP product evaluations, and entered competitions such as the National Women's Entrepreneurship and National Farmers' Technical Innovation Competition. "After each competition, I feel that my products are increasingly recognized and valued. In particular, the support of various departments, agencies, and local authorities has been incredibly valuable in terms of morale, giving me the confidence to pursue the work I have chosen," Ms. Nga recounted.

Speaking about the role of women in business, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang - Director of Hang Moon Herbal Import-Export Co., Ltd. (Bach Ngoc commune) - also shared that she was born in the sunny and windy countryside of Nghe An province, where plants like perilla, basil, ginger, lemongrass, and pomelo are closely associated with the lives of the people. Therefore, even though she was a secondary school teacher with 11 years of teaching experience, she always harbored a dream of how to bring the precious values ​​of her hometown's herbs further, becoming clean, safe products that bear the mark of Vietnamese culture.

"Starting a business from scratch – with no capital, no experience, and no initial connections – is not easy at all. But I believe that with knowledge and belief, they can turn difficulties into opportunities," Ms. Hang confided.

With her own determination and the support of women's associations at all levels, Ms. Hang started her business in a small kitchen with her first batches of herbal remedies. Later, she established Hang Moon Herbal Import-Export Co., Ltd. with a 1,000m² factory system, fully equipped with modern, closed-loop machinery. Among the products her company produces, 10 have achieved OCOP 3-star status, and 4 are currently undergoing OCOP 4-star evaluation.

According to Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien, President of the Nghe An Provincial Women's Union, in recent years, women in Nghe An have increasingly affirmed their important role in the economic field, especially in rural areas – where women members account for more than 78% of the workforce. Through this, they have worked with the local authorities to successfully implement the new rural development movement, proactively shifting production, applying science and technology, and increasing productivity and income.

Furthermore, female entrepreneurs and businesswomen are increasingly dynamic and market-savvy, demonstrating their capabilities and business acumen. Thanks to their own efforts and the support of the Women's Union, many economic models and businesses owned by women have been established and developed; the employment rate for women has reached over 80%, women own businesses account for approximately 20%, and women participate in management in collective economic models at over 50%.

Alongside supporting women, the Women's Union at all levels has implemented numerous programs to assist women in starting businesses, such as Project 939, Project 01, and activities promoting OCOP products and connecting them with consumers. Through these initiatives, hundreds of thousands of members have received information, thousands of women have improved their management skills, over a thousand startup ideas have been supported with over 37 billion VND in capital, and tens of thousands of female workers have received vocational training and secured stable employment.

Dare to think, dare to act, dare to take responsibility.

Not only are women in Nghe An dynamic in the economic field, but they have also affirmed their position in elected bodies. Therefore, in recent years, at the People's Council meetings from the commune to the provincial level, many female delegates have actively participated in discussions and proposed solutions for socio-economic development issues, ensuring social security and improving people's lives.

Entering the 2026-2031 term, the role of women is further affirmed and trusted. According to the report on the results of the third consultation on the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term by the Provincial Women's Union, the percentage of women nominated as candidates for the National Assembly in Nghe An reached 61.9%. Meanwhile, for the Provincial People's Council, the percentage of women is 47.1%, and for the commune-level People's Councils it is 41.8%. The action programs of the nominated candidates also demonstrate the determination, courage, intelligence, and sense of responsibility of the women of the province.

As one of the youngest candidates running for National Assembly representative, Ms. Lo Thi Bao Vy (O Du ethnic minority, born in 2002) – a teacher at Quynh Lap A Primary School – shared her action plan: “I come from a small, disadvantaged village, and to become a teacher today, I have had to constantly strive to learn, overcoming economic barriers and geographical distance. If elected as a National Assembly representative, I will focus on proposing and recommending improvements to policies supporting people in areas affected by natural disasters; prioritizing investment in school infrastructure, especially in remote areas and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn safely and adequately.”

Honored to be the first O Du person in the province to run for National Assembly representative, teacher Lo Thi Bao Vy also shared that running for National Assembly representative is a journey, but "not just my story." She believes that one day soon, ethnic minorities can absolutely rise up, study, grow, and gradually assert their position in society.

Meanwhile, as a member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Health, and Doctor Le Thi Hoai Chung, she also acknowledged that being nominated as a candidate for the 16th National Assembly was an honor. She believes that National Assembly representatives are a vibrant bridge connecting the voice of the people to the parliamentary arena, where the legitimate will and aspirations of voters are realized into policies and laws. Therefore, in her action plan, she stated that she will maintain close and regular contact with voters, because "only by listening to and understanding the legitimate thoughts and aspirations of the people can we effectively fulfill the role of a representative elected by the people."

Furthermore, with her expertise as a doctor, a head of the health sector, and a PhD in educational management, she will also pay attention to the elderly, women, children, and vulnerable groups. At the same time, she will actively propose specific mechanisms suitable to local conditions to contribute to creating opportunities for sustainable development, especially in the fields of social security and healthcare.

Previously, during the 2021-2026 term, female delegates from the province also demonstrated the spirit of "daring to think, daring to act, and daring to take responsibility," contributing to the drafting of 130 draft laws, 22 resolutions of the National Assembly, and 592 resolutions of the Provincial People's Council. Besides legislative and supervisory activities, the group of female delegates also made their mark through many socially humane activities, becoming a bridge between the parliament and the lives of voters; actively protecting the legitimate rights and interests of women and children; supporting orphans; and accompanying people in disadvantaged areas and areas affected by natural disasters and epidemics.

Based on the achievements already made, it is believed that, entering a new term, the female delegates from President Ho Chi Minh's homeland will continue to demonstrate their courage, intelligence, and sense of responsibility, making positive contributions to the province's development. Through this, they will further affirm the role and position of women in local political life and socio-economic development.