Vietnam Women's Union

"Real Stories Can Change Your Life" encourages women from different backgrounds to write about their personal and professional experiences that have influenced their life.

Sponsored by Proctor and Gamble in Viet Nam and supported by local women and youth groups, the competition which last through Feb. 2,2007 will be introduced to rural areas around the country.

Speaking at the event's launching, Truong Thi Anh, chairwoman of the HCM City Women's Union, said: "The competition will be an open environment for the women and will encourage them to share their difficulties, challenges and other issues that may be hard to talk about."

"I believe women from remote areas will become stronger and more confident by taking part in this event," she said.

Duong Thanh Truyen, Tuoi Tre's deputy editor-in-chief and member of the event's organising board, said that the contest was open to women of any age.

"By sharing their life, older participants can held the younger generations make the right choices in their life," he said.

Organisers will award 10 prizes worth a total of 70 million VND. A book of the best essays will also be published./.