On the occasion of International Women's Day (November 19), education expert - Dr. Vu Thu Huong shared an perspective on the position and role of men in modern society. According to her, after many social changes, especially in the past century, Vietnamese men are facing the need to change so as not to fall behind.
What should men do in the new era?
According to expert Vu Thu Huong, in feudal society, the value of men is placed in a high position because women are less educated, mainly housewives and family caregivers. Men are therefore the only pillar of economy, career and decision-making.
However, in the past 100 years, this position has changed dramatically. Vietnamese women study more, make great strides in all fields from economics, occupations to children's education. Many women today contribute greatly to their families in terms of finances, honor and personal careers. But they still take on a traditional role in the family well, Ms. Huong commented.
Meanwhile, many men still keep the old che do: focus on work and the economy, almost ignoring housework and taking care of their children. "Compared to the comprehensive contribution balance, men are losing points compared to women," she said.
This difference leads to an increasing trend of young women choosing not to get married because they are afraid of losing their freedom and taking on more responsibility, while they themselves can be financially independent and even have children without a partner.
However, according to Ms. Huong, men still have many natural strengths: determination, less fear and having a broad vision when developing themselves. However, what they lack is their involvement in work that opens up emotions and human understanding.
Caring for children, educating children or housework is not a surplus. When learning to understand children, men will develop the ability to feel the psychology of others, she explained. This is something many women do well because they shoulder most of the family responsibilities.
In reality, when participating in these fields, men can become prominent very quickly. "We look at the profession of chef, fashion or beauty - the group of men quickly became leaders. If men are truly interested and set clear goals, they can outperform, she said.
According to experts, the biggest barrier for men today is not their ability, but the concept: keeping the mindset of "men work big, women take care of the housework".
Only when the old concept is abandoned and each individual is considered equally responsible in society, can men discover areas that were once considered of women, Ms. Huong emphasized.
The change in social phenomena has occurred strongly in the past 20 - 25 years: women are no longer pressured to get married early, and having children before marriage is also considered more openly. She believes that men need to keep up with these changes so as not to fall behind.
The qualities of "good men" in modern times
When asked about the qualities of a good man, Ms. Vu Thu Huong said that the most important thing is to respect the law - not only at the level of a slogan, but in every small act: from traffic to social behavior.
The three core elements that she affirmed that a "good man" needs to have in a "good man" are living in accordance with the law - the foundation of social respect; Respecting oneself and everyone, not discriminating against gender, not valuing men and women; living and working with a plan, not arbitrarily - this is a factor that helps a person get closer to success.
In addition, she emphasized the kindness of men expressed through the spirit of "lady first", knowing how to give in to women, children, and the disadvantaged. Not a given, but a manifestation of vision and maturity.
When women are a priority, men will have a broader vision and be more wise in their decisions, she said.
At the end of the conversation, expert Vu Thu Huong sent a message to the men:
As a woman, I really respect and love men. I hope that Vietnamese men will overcome current barriers and develop strongly to affirm their mettle not only domestically but also in the world.
When they have all those qualities, courage and kindness, I believe that they will become the men that women everywhere want to have - not just Vietnamese women.
