In 2022, implementing Project 8 “Promoting gender equality and solving urgent issues for women and children” under the National Target Program for Socio-economic Development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, the Community Communication Team of Huổi Ho village was established with 8 members. They are all reputable people in the community, such as the Party Cell Secretary, village head, and representatives of mass organizations.

Lý A Xá, Secretary of Huổi Ho Village Party Cell, shared that among the 8 members of the team, 7 are men. Therefore, when implementing communication campaigns and mobilizing men to change their mindset and views on women’s rights, it will be more favorable. “Men are also a force that easily accesses digital technology, so when there is information that needs to be disseminated, we will send it to the Zalo group. Members receive and proactively disseminate it to relatives and households in the village. In addition, we promote guiding women on technology so they can access new information, thereby raising awareness in all issues. To date, Huổi Ho no longer has cases of child marriage or consanguineous marriage; women are empowered and participate more actively in productive labor,” he added.

Implementing Project 8, recently the provincial Women’s Union has focused on key solution groups, suitable for local practical conditions. The first priority is communication and mobilization work to change “ways of thinking and doing,” gradually eliminating long-standing gender prejudices in remote and isolated areas. To date, the whole province has established and maintained the effective operation of 540 Community Communication Teams in especially difficult villages and hamlets, becoming the core force bringing information and policies on gender equality and domestic violence prevention closer to the people.

Currently, 50 “Trusted Address” models supporting women who are victims of domestic violence are maintained in stable operation, reaching 100% of the set target. These models are not only places for emergency support but also contribute to psychological and legal counseling, helping women step-by-step stabilize their lives and integrate into the community. Especially recently, capacity building and promoting women’s participation in social activities and the grassroots political system have been deployed synchronously. The Union has completed 100% of the gender mainstreaming training targets, with 18 training sessions for 827 district and commune level officials and 86 classes for 4,349 village and hamlet officials; organizing 144 policy dialogue conferences, attracting 7,200 turns of members and people to participate, creating a two-way exchange channel between people and levels and sectors on issues related to gender equality, social security, and community development.

Notably, 96 “Leader of Change” Club models continue to be maintained effectively, reaching 100% of the target, with 170 communication activities organized for over 29,000 members and people. Through the models, women and girls are equipped with more knowledge, life skills, and leadership skills, step-by-step improving their ability to participate and adapt to social requirements in the context of digital transformation.

However, in the digital era, gender equality work and ensuring safety for women and girls still face many challenges. The situation of abuse, violence, trafficking of women and children, especially violations related to high technology and cyberspace, develops complicatedly, sophisticatedly, and unpredictably. In some remote and isolated villages, infrastructure is limited, there is no electricity or conditions for internet access are difficult; some communes lack equipment and computers for work, affecting the digital transformation process. The information technology application capacity of a part of Union officials, especially older branch heads, is still limited, posing a requirement for continued fostering and appropriate support.

Pờ Diệu Ninh, Vice Chairperson of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Vice Chairperson in charge of the provincial Women’s Union, said: In the coming time, to continue promoting the role of women in gender equality work and ensuring safety for women and children in the digital era, the provincial Women’s Union identifies promoting communication to raise awareness about gender equality associated with digital safety. Strengthening training and fostering digital skills for Union officials at all levels; step-by-step improving infrastructure conditions, narrowing the digital gap between regions. Thereby, contributing to building a safe, equal living environment, creating conditions for women and girls to participate fully and proactively in the local socio-economic development process in the new context.