Kenh Lang Dong Hamlet, Dong Thai Commune, An Bien District (Kien Giang) has 355 households, with more than 1,300 people, of which, Khmer ethnic people are 82 households, 312 people. The Women's Association has 54/89 female members who are ethnic minorities.
From 2021 to present, many households including women's union members have received support in loans for production and economic development.
The family of Ms. Nguyen Thi Truc Linh (born in 1985) - a member of the Women's Union of the hamlet used to be a household with economic difficulties. A year ago, the family of 4 lived mainly on the income from her husband's fishing job. The expenses and living expenses to take care of the children's education were not guaranteed, lacking before and after.
After becoming a women's association member, Ms. Linh was able to participate in association activities and learn about consulting, career guidance, and technical support programs.
Acquiring good knowledge, Ms. Linh discussed with her husband to implement a model of growing vegetables on an area of over 6,000 m2 rented by relatives. Thanks to diligence and hard work, the couple covered the land with all kinds of plants such as squash, cabbage, Malabar spinach, pumpkin, okra, onions, etc.
"On average, I earn more than 200,000 VND per day, and during peak season, I earn from 400,000 to 500,000 VND per day," said Ms. Linh.
Mr. Danh Phuoc, Ms. Truc Linh's husband, shared: "Growing crops is a bit laborious, but in return, the income is stable. Compared to going to sea, it is better for me to take care of my family. In addition, the family also takes advantage of the pond area to raise catfish."
The family of Ms. Thi Diem, residing in Kenh Lang Dong hamlet, also had difficulty with housing. Her family is in a difficult situation, has no land for production, and lives only by making unstable fishing boats. In 2023, with the support of the State in the amount of 40 million VND, plus 40 million VND lent by the Social Policy Bank under the socio-economic development program for mountainous areas and especially difficult areas of ethnic minorities, the family was able to build a new house.
Ms. Thi Diem confided: "Now that we have settled down, have a stable job, and have a stable home, our family no longer has as many worries as before. The whole family has overcome difficulties, strived to make a living and stabilize our lives."
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu - Head of the Women's Association of Kenh Lang Dong Hamlet commented: thanks to implementing the model, now the women's family economy has changed significantly, life is more stable than before.
“Not only does it help families become more prosperous and progressive, but it also contributes to the locality in implementing poverty reduction work and improving the status of ethnic minority women,” Ms. Thu shared.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhanh - President of the Women's Union of Dong Thai commune said: Through the Women's Union of the commune, managing 5 loan and savings groups, with a total outstanding debt of more than 14 billion VND, supporting more than 220 households to borrow capital under credit programs entrusted by the district's Social Policy Bank. In particular, supporting ethnic minority people to implement livestock models, develop shrimp-rice models, small businesses... with a minimum amount of 20 million VND/household, maximum of 100 million VND/household.
In addition, the associations at all levels coordinate to organize conferences and seminars to share experiences and solutions, contributing to solving urgent problems for women and children and promoting gender equality in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. "It has initially had a positive impact on the lives and raised awareness of women and children in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. At the same time, it effectively promotes the role and participation of prestigious people in the community in carrying out propaganda and mobilizing to raise awareness among people," Ms. Nhanh informed.