Carrying the burden of the economy but still considered "unable to grow"
Ms. Hoang Oanh (Cau Giay, Hanoi) is selling domestic and imported cosmetics online. From nothing, after nearly 5 years of starting a business, she has built a chain of stores on e-commerce platforms with stable revenue. Personal income is up to tens of millions of VND per month.
"I carry everything in the family, from food expenses, school expenses for my children, and hospital fees for my parents-in-law. But in return, my mother-in-law still thinks that I am only good at social work, not posing as a wife or mother', Ms. Oanh sadly shared.
Every day of my life starts at 6am with as many orders as I need to prepare. Night fell, and until 11 - 12 am, they were still busy answering customer messages. However, my mother-in-law always blamed me for not knowing how to move the house, I was just lazy and miserable,' Ms. Oanh said tiredly.
Her husband - a hired employee in the footwear industry - did not have enough income to support his wife's finances, nor was he brave enough to stand up to protect her in the face of scrutiny from the family.
His silence and avoidance made her feel like I was alone in a house that was le ra the most peaceful place.
Successful women still have to "act" as gentle bridesmaids
Ms. Hoang Oanh's story is not an isolated case. Many modern women - despite being good at making money and being financially independent - are still criticized and evaluated under the old lenses of society: having to know how to cook, be skillful in behavior, give in to their husbands and accept disadvantages as a standard.
Ms. Ha Linh (Dong Anh, Hanoi) - founder of a famous clothing brand - shared that she was often called "men's bride" by her parents-in-law just because... she did not know how to please her husband.
"Because I am busy and have little time at home, I cannot often cook the dishes my husband likes. So her parents-in-law immediately judged her as unfemale and unable to take care of her husband, Ms. Linh recounted, unable to hide her sadness.
"The most miserable thing for women today is always having to act well. Acting to please her mother-in-law and neighbors should not be too successful or she will be accused of overthrowing her husband," Ms. Linh sighed.
Even single women like Ms. Lan Anh (29 years old, Hanoi) cannot avoid being surrounded by prejudice.
Working in affiliate marketing on e-commerce platforms, having a stable income, and buying a private house before turning 30. However, she was often urged by relatives to get married, with the familiar reason: "Women living alone are unfortunate".
''Today's society has given women more opportunities - to study, start a business, and be free to choose their lifestyle. But at the same time, I realized that I was still drawn to old, rigorous and sometimes unreasonable standards, as if all achievements before now were meaningless' '' Ms. Lan Anh shared.
