Vietnamese Women as Seen by Expat Women
One aspect of society I have always kept an eye on is the role and place of women where ever I may be traveling at the time. When I arrived in Hanoi with my family two years ago, that was no exception. Looking inside the open doors of the houses around town I saw multiple generations of women leading families and building homes.At the same time, I couldn’t but beamazed that such petit-framed women could be so strong and determined while at the same time handle such a wide variety of tasks with incredible grace.
Without a doubt in the past recent years Vietnamese women have made substantial progress in many fields: in industry, entrepreneurship, academy, science andtechnologyamong many others, but this doesn’t mean thattheir role shouldn’t be further enhanced in every possible area. There is still a lot that needs to be done,especially in terms of support when it comes to facing the traditional prejudices in society and within the home, and also regarding the large gap that exists between women in rural areas and big cities.
I have nothing but admiration and a deep-founded respect for Vietnamese women and the great contributions and sacrifices they have made throughout history to national construction and development, but most importantly for how they are doing it today. Observing the wide variety of projects that were on display at the Vietnamese Women’s Union Innovation daywas just a confirmation of all the professional and leadership capacity they possess.Whether they are farmers,students,researchers, employeesor business leaders,every single woman behind an idea is a great example of strength, determination, resilience, intelligence and passion. I truly believe that it is within this fantastic mix of qualities that the chances for rising the standard of theirlives and place in society today, as well as for future generations,is now more than ever inthe hands, minds and hearts of the women of Viet Nam.
And here are the sharings by other fellow members of HIWC:
“Whilst there is no onE 'Vietnamese woman' - women ARE Vietnam.More so than in any other place I've visited, the country simply would not exist without them.They are innovators and entrepreneurs, they build houses, carry weights that most men I know would boast about, they cook, clean, mother, run businesses and have an incredible female support system.And all with a smile, a toothy grin, a slight nod of encouragement and an insatiable curiosity.Whenever I have expressed admiration for a particular skill - speaking foreign languages, cooking, knowing exactly where to buy an obscure item that I need, and how much it will cost me; negotiating with my landlady, running the staff team-building day, writing a newsletter in English - the response is inevitably a laugh, a shrug of dismissal and a comment that means:Of course I can do this thing.I am a Vietnamese woman.”
Karen Ormiston, Great Britain, 18 months in Vietnam.
“Vietnamese women are very capable, entrepreneurs and active. They have strong will for education and active role in society. However, in the family and professional environment they find themselves in submissive position towards men. There is high rate of domestic violence in Vietnam. Vietnamese women need more education and support in terms of self-esteem, self-confidence, how to win recognition, how to face violence.”
Eva Havasiová, Slovakia, 1 year in
“Vietnamese women are never wasteful, they are quite feminine, and are very capable. Vietnamese women are industrious, they age extremely well, and are a population I have come to highly respect and admire.”
Andrea Fleming, United States, 2 years in Vietnam
“I have tremendous respect for Vietnamese women. I have never lived in a country where I see so many women work so hard all around me all the time - on building sites, road sweeping, night markets, as rubbish collection and also as designers, entrepreneurs, visionaries and pioneers. I salute them all and hope as Vietnam progresses that they achieve equal status, equal pay and equal opportunities.”
Maeve O’Donovan
