Equality and progress

(Baonghean) - During his lifetime, he always sympathized with, shared, and held Vietnamese women in high regard and affection.

1. Women's liberation

When the country was plunged into the long night of slavery, President Ho Chi Minh paid special attention to women. Women were the most suffering among the "suffering masses." They not only endured the pain of a people who had lost their country and were deprived of all their freedoms and democratic rights, but were also mistreated and their human dignity trampled upon. He hated the rulers who "treated women in the most vile way, insulting their customs, chastity, and lives." In his work "The Indictment of the French Colonial Regime," Nguyen Ai Quoc exposed the true nature of French colonialism as a regime of "robbery and murder," "rape of women and children." He denounced the inhumane actions of the colonial invaders against women: "A European insulting an Annamite woman as a whore or a nurse, even though it was a common occurrence."

Right in the middle of Ben Thanh Market in Saigon... the European market guards didn't hesitate to use bullwhip and batons to beat local women, forcing them to get out of the way so as not to obstruct the passageway."

Driven by boundless compassion and profound empathy for the immense suffering endured by women under colonial and feudal regimes, Ho Chi Minh always emphasized the urgent need to liberate "half the world" from the "shackles of slavery." He stated: "Women constitute half of the total population. To build socialism, we must truly liberate women and respect their rights." This was one of the driving forces that helped him overcome all difficulties and challenges to, together with the entire Party and people, overthrow the semi-feudal colonial regime and establish the Democratic Republic of Vietnam to achieve "gender equality." Even in the first general election on January 6, 1946, he was delighted to see that "women were the most enthusiastic voters." After becoming President, despite his busy schedule, he always showed concern, love, and respect for generations of Vietnamese women.

2. The role and position of women

President Ho Chi Minh highly valued the position and role of women in the historical process of nation-building and national defense. In the epic poem "The History of Our Country," he affirmed: "Our women are not ordinary. Their victories in the East and North serve as an example for generations to come." Therefore, he always proudly stated: "The Vietnamese nation is a heroic nation… Vietnamese women are heroic women." On the occasion of the anniversary of the Trung Sisters' uprising and International Women's Day (March 8, 1952), President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter of encouragement and praise to women. At the end of the letter, he affirmed: "The beautiful land of Vietnam is made even more beautiful and radiant by the efforts of our women, young and old, who have worked hard to weave and embroider it."

In the national liberation struggle, President Ho Chi Minh identified women as one of the decisive factors in the success or failure of the revolution. At the commemoration ceremony of the founding of the Vietnam Women's Union (October 20, 1966), President Ho Chi Minh mentioned the proud patriotic tradition of Vietnamese women: “From the beginning of the first century, when the Trung Sisters raised the banner of rebellion to fight the enemy and save the country and the people, to this day, whenever the country faces danger, our women eagerly rise up, making their worthy contribution to the cause of national liberation. Therefore, we have a very powerful proverb: 'When the enemy comes to the house, even women will fight.'"

He understood the hardships and silent sacrifices of Vietnamese women during the fierce war. Not only did they participate in the resistance, but they also had to shoulder household responsibilities so their husbands and sons could fight the enemy with peace of mind. Fields, gardens, houses, childcare, raising children, caring for parents… all fell on the frail shoulders of these women and mothers. Therefore, our people are deeply grateful to the mothers of both North and South Vietnam who gave birth to and raised generations of our nation's heroes. In recognition of the immense contributions of women in the sacred national resistance war against the US, Uncle Ho bestowed upon Vietnamese women eight noble words: "Heroic - Indomitable - Loyal - Capable."

In the process of building and defending the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland, he recognized that women have great potential for leadership. Many women participate in leadership positions from the grassroots to the central level, and many are very capable. The advantages of female cadres are that they are "less prone to corruption and waste, less likely to indulge in excessive drinking, and less arrogant and authoritarian than some male cadres." Therefore, the Party, the Government, and all levels and sectors must pay special attention to and promote women to positions and roles that match their abilities so that they can develop their potential. He frankly criticized some Party cadres who had not properly assessed the role and position of women, viewing this as a "very dangerous disease," the worst remnant of the old regime, and demanded that it be rectified promptly.

3. Provide timely encouragement to women.

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh frequently encouraged and reminded women to strive to "liberate themselves" and not to rely on the Party and the Government. Once, at a conference, he saw women occupying all the seats at the back. He said: "Even the seating arrangement is unequal. Women who want equality shouldn't wait for the Party and the Government or men to invite them to sit; they must fight and strive to achieve it themselves. To do so, women themselves must be proactive, determined to overcome difficulties, confident, self-reliant, and strong, and should not feel inferior. They must strive to study politics, culture, and technology; enhance their patriotism and socialist awareness; and enthusiastically participate in emulation campaigns to implement 'Diligence and frugality in building the nation and building the family' to be worthy of being masters of the country."

He dedicated his entire life to the people and the nation. Before his eternal departure to follow Marx and Lenin, Uncle Ho left behind a historical testament for the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army. In it, he did not forget to mention Vietnamese women: "...The Party and the Government need to have practical plans to train, promote, and assist more and more women to take charge of all kinds of work, including leadership positions. Women themselves must strive to rise up. This is a revolution that will lead to true equality for women."

Deeply imbued with President Ho Chi Minh's teachings, today "half the world" has strived to assert itself. The status of women is increasingly elevated both within the family and in society. They not only fulfill their roles as wives and mothers but also excel as citizens. During the period of industrialization and modernization, Vietnamese women are present in all fields of social life, with an increasing number of successful female politicians, leaders, managers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. To live up to President Ho Chi Minh's trust and expectations, Vietnamese women are striving to overcome gender stereotypes, surpass themselves, and "liberate themselves." At the same time, they must continuously learn to improve their skills in all aspects and fulfill their duties as mothers and wives, becoming women who are "capable in public affairs and capable in domestic matters."

Imbued with the thoughts and feelings of President Ho Chi Minh for Vietnamese women, the Party and State of Vietnam have implemented many policies to protect women's rights and create favorable conditions for them to rise up and assert themselves. The 11th Party Congress affirmed: Improving women's overall skills and material and spiritual lives, continuing to implement gender equality. Creating conditions for women to effectively fulfill their roles as citizens, workers, mothers, and the first teachers of their children. Training and educating women to participate increasingly in social activities, leadership and management positions at all levels, and in caring for and protecting the health of mothers and children.

DUY NAM(Synthetic)