Having been the Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Son Long Commune, Son Tay District, Quang Ngai Province (now Son Tay Commune, Quang Ngai Province) for many years, Ms. Pham Thi Trinh Nu clearly understands the economic development activities of local women.
"There are many difficulties when starting a business. The terrain here is mainly high hills and mountains, with poor soil. Cultivation and planting of high-value crops face many obstacles. Local people in general and women in particular still maintain the old agricultural production habits, mainly growing cassava and acacia - crops with low economic value and causing soil erosion.
Besides, some people still have the mentality of waiting and relying on the support of the State, afraid of change, afraid of accessing new technology," Ms. Trinh Nu shared.
Although local Women’s Unions at all levels have organized training courses on entrepreneurship and business start-ups, many women have not effectively acquired knowledge about new science and technology or information technology applications. This is a major barrier when implementing activities to support women in starting businesses to access the market.
However, amidst those challenges, in recent years, there have been many potentials and opportunities for members and women to start businesses in their homeland.
Thanks to the attention of authorities at all levels, especially the Quang Ngai Provincial Women's Union and programs and projects to support economic development, support women in starting businesses, etc., women have had more resources, opportunities to participate in training, receive technical support, loans and participate in training courses on digital transformation and online business.
Ms. Pham Thi Trinh Nu (right) guides women members in selling online.
"If women know how to seize opportunities, they will have new directions to rise up," Ms. Trinh Nu affirmed.
Changes start with the smartphone
One of the turning points in the process of supporting women to start businesses that Ms. Trinh Nu is proud of is the application of information technology to the consumption of agricultural products made by members and local women. With just a smartphone, many members and women have gradually changed the way they produce and do business, confidently starting businesses from agricultural products grown in their home gardens.
Although she is still a bit hesitant to face the phone camera to livestream to sell products, for Ms. Dinh Thi Ha, a member of the Son Long Production, Cultivation and Livestock Cooperative Group (Son Tay commune), this is a big step forward.
Ms. Ha shared: "When I first started selling online, I could only say a few sentences and then didn't know what else to say. But thanks to the encouragement from the Association's staff, friends, relatives, and Ms. Trinh Nu's experience sharing sessions, I gradually learned how to take photos, how to speak in front of the camera, and how to record videos to introduce agricultural products to customers far away.
In the past, agricultural products and fruits produced by families were often sold directly to people in the surrounding area. Now, thanks to learning how to sell online, I can sell to many customers in other communes, even other provinces."
No matter how difficult the circumstances are, no matter how many turns the journey has, as long as there is faith, a guide and courage, women - whether in the highlands or in urban areas - can write their own entrepreneurial story.
Ms. Pham Thi Trinh Nu, President of the Women's Union of Son Tay Ha commune (Quang Ngai province)
Not only Ms. Dinh Thi Ha but also 15 other members of the Cooperative have mastered the application of digital technology in the production and consumption of agricultural products. Agricultural products such as red-fleshed ruby guava, grapefruit, banana, honey, medicinal herbs, etc. of Son Tay women have been known to many customers inside and outside the province, and online orders are increasing.
Women's Union members of Son Long commune (now Son Tay commune, Quang Ngai province) were accompanied by Ms. Pham Thi Trinh Nu to organize livestream sales.
That is the motivation for women to boldly expand their cultivation area, invest in livestock, gradually escape poverty and have enough to eat and save.
Experience of the Companion Council staff
When asked about her experience in supporting women in the highlands to start businesses, Ms. Trinh Nu said: "I am just a companion, connecting and encouraging women. The important thing is the women's own efforts. They must be confident, dare to change, dare to do new things."
According to Ms. Pham Thi Trinh Nu, to start a successful business, first of all, women in the highlands need to change their perception, not have the mindset of waiting and relying. Second, they need to know the State's policies, take advantage of programs and projects to support women in starting businesses and developing the economy. Third, women must boldly apply technology, especially digital technology and social networks, to connect with the market.
"Initially, there will certainly be difficulties and obstacles, but I believe that with perseverance and efforts to overcome difficulties, you will succeed. I often remind you that you must start with small things.
Just dare to start, change little by little, gradually you will see that you can do it. The staff of the Association at all levels is always ready to accompany, train more skills classes so that women can gradually get acquainted with economic development, start-ups, and business," Ms. Trinh Nu shared.
The two-level local government model has officially come into operation since July 1, 2025, opening up new development space. For local Women's Union organizations, grassroots Union officials like Ms. Pham Thi Trinh Nu are still making efforts to maintain the pace of the local women's movement.
Assigned to take on the position of President of the Women's Union of Son Tay Ha commune (Quang Ngai province), Ms. Trinh Nu clearly identified the role of the Union organization and those working in the Union must be more proactive and creative to adapt to the new situation.
Despite changes in the local government apparatus, structure and organization of the Women's Union system, supporting women in economic development and supporting women in starting businesses is still a continuous task that Union officials like Ms. Nu are determined to pursue.
"We have planned to closely coordinate with the Women's Union at higher levels to continue organizing intensive training courses on brand building, e-commerce, digital transformation in agriculture, as well as improving women's entrepreneurial skills, contributing to enhancing women's economic power in Quang Ngai", affirmed the President of the Women's Union of Son Tay Ha commune.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/tao-nen-thay-doi-tu-chiec-dien-thoai-thong-minh-cho-chi-em-khoi-nghiep-20250714142247768.htm
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