From dreams to changing mindsets and approaches.

Previously, Lao Cai was a region affected by outdated notions of gender inequality. However, with the decisive involvement of the entire political system, these barriers are gradually being removed. Replacing feelings of inferiority and self-doubt is the image of dynamic, confident women asserting their value in the family and society.

“Ban Lien Pinehomestay” - a startup model by Ms. Vang Thi Thong in Team 3, Ban Lien commune.

The entrepreneurial journey of Ms. Vang Thi Thong (of the Tay ethnic group) in Ban Lien commune is a clear example of this change. Five years ago, this woman, who was once hesitant in social interactions, boldly built the "Ban Lien Pine Homestay" community tourism house. Ms. Thong started from scratch: from renovating her house, relocating livestock pens, digging a fish pond, to planting flowers around the house to create a beautiful landscape.

Ms. Vang Thi Thong engages in tourism, showcasing the simple and rustic aspects of the Tay people's way of life.

Ms. Vang Thi Thong's community-based tourism model is attracting more and more tourists.

That effort paid off when, in 2025, she became a sensation through the reality TV show "Haha Family - Vast Sky Days" and was honored to be among the Top 10 inspiring figures at the WeChoice Awards 2025. Ms. Thong happily shared: "If before I had limited proficiency in Mandarin, now I am confident in introducing my hometown of Ban Lien to the world. I will continue to uphold our cultural identity to further enhance the image of local tourism."

Also in the highlands, Ms. Thào Thị Sung (Tả Phìn commune) chose to promote local culture through the craft of brocade embroidery. Witnessing the precarious income of her villagers from selling goods on the streets, Ms. Sung was determined to establish a stable livelihood. More than 10 years ago, Ms. Sung traveled to many places to learn the art of brocade embroidery. Ms. Sung recalled: “Before, many villagers only followed tourists to sell goods on the streets, resulting in unstable income. I thought that if there were a small stall where villagers could work together and sell products to tourists, it would be better.”

Initially, the business wasn't easy. Sung leveraged social media to promote her products, and participated in numerous workshops and conferences on entrepreneurship and traditional craft development to seek new opportunities. As a result, she and her fellow villagers have been able to sell more products. From a small house with an initial linen weaving loom, her business now provides stable employment for more than 20 women in the village.

For her outstanding contributions, in 2016, Ms. Sung was awarded the Luong Dinh Cua Prize by the Central Committee of the Youth Union.

Ms. Thào Thị Sung introduces the products to tourists.

Sung's handicraft shop offers a wide variety of items such as laptop bags, tablecloths, duvet covers, pillows, and backpacks, all of which are popular with customers.

According to Mr. Vang A Dinh, Party Secretary and Head of Can Ngai village, Ms. Thao Thi Sung's model is a typical example in Ta Phin commune, helping people increase their income while effectively preserving ethnic culture.

Figures like Ms. Vang Thi Thong and Ms. Thao Thi Sung embody willpower, aspirations, and the effort to overcome difficulties and achieve their dreams. They are exemplary women who enhance the image of Vietnamese women, both inheriting tradition and shining brightly in the era of integration.

Vigorous and practical emulation movements

Not stopping at individual efforts, women in Lao Cai have united under the roof of the Provincial Women's Union to create collective strength through campaigns to learn from and follow President Ho Chi Minh's teachings.

Lao Cai women are confident in the new era.

Typical examples include the movement "Women actively studying, working creatively, and building happy families"; the movement "Building families with 5 no's and 3 clean's"; and the campaign "Cultivating qualities of self-confidence, self-respect, loyalty, and competence," contributing to spreading the image of dynamic, creative, and ambitious women in Lao Cai. As a result, the period from 2021 to 2025 has achieved many impressive figures: more than 2,600 projects and tasks were implemented with a total value of over 2.3 billion VND; 7,800 households met the criteria of "5 no's and 3 clean's"; more than 1,800 "Clean House, Beautiful Garden" models were inaugurated; and more than 200 "Bright - Green - Clean - Beautiful" roads, flower-lined roads, and flag-lined roads were built.

In Tuong 3 hamlet, Hop Thanh commune, the 450-meter-long "National Flag Road" adorned with 150 vibrant red flags has become a source of pride for the local people. Ms. Luong Thi Truc, head of Tuong 3 hamlet, stated that the enthusiastic participation of women in hanging flags and cleaning the alleyways has affirmed the leading role of women in building a model new rural area. Going forward, women will continue with projects and tasks to improve the quality of the new rural area in the locality.

Enhancing the Status of Women in Lao Cai in the New Era

The position of women in Lao Cai is increasingly being affirmed in both the political and economic fields. The contingent of female cadres is constantly growing and being entrusted with many key leadership responsibilities. Currently, Lao Cai boasts an impressive percentage of female cadres: 50% of National Assembly delegates and 35% of provincial People's Council delegates are women; female cadres account for 15.2% of the total number of cadres under the management of the Provincial Party Standing Committee.

The Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, the Provincial People's Committee, and the Provincial Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front organized a meeting with female officials.

In economic development, women are also actively participating in production, business, entrepreneurship, and building new rural areas. From 2021 to the present, women's associations at all levels have supported 1,595 livelihood models with a total value of 12 billion VND; and supported the establishment of 28 businesses and 42 cooperatives owned by women.

The Mong Style brocade weaving cooperative in Mu Cang Chai commune is a shining example of creating jobs for Mong ethnic women.

Ms. Ha Phuong Thuy, Vice President of the Lao Cai Provincial Women's Union, emphasized that women in Lao Cai will continue to assert their position in all fields, aiming towards the model of a modern woman: knowledgeable, healthy, and responsible, contributing to building a green, harmonious, distinctive, and happy Lao Cai province.

Women from ethnic minorities in Lao Cai preserve traditional culture.

Continuing the tradition, women in Lao Cai today are not only a strong support system but also partners in shaping the future, contributing their intellect, courage, and aspirations to accompany the province on its journey of innovation and integration.

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