Listening and standing alongside women: The pulse of Điện Biên’s grassroots level

ĐBP - From intimate and open conversations at the local level, the “March - Month for Listening to Women Members” program, implemented by the Điện Biên provincial Women’s Union, has evolved into a vital platform where members confide their deepest thoughts.

It is a space for sharing everyday stories, ranging from the joys of building a happy family to the serious concerns regarding gender equality and gender-based violence. Through genuine listening and empathy, numerous practical solutions have been put into action, helping to protect women and cultivate safe, progressive, and resilient homes.

In Mường Pồn commune, the program was held under the theme “Women Building Happy Families - Exemplary Union Officials.” The sincere and transparent atmosphere encouraged members to boldly voice the challenges they face in striving for prosperity and equality. Many women were frank about their aspirations, particularly regarding family dynamics, the evolving role of women in society, and the specific types of support needed when navigating the shadows of domestic violence.

Vừ Thị Sùng, the Chairperson of the Mường Pồn Women’s Union, noted that the organization has been proactive in launching activities to prevent and support victims of gender-based violence. A key part of this success is the maintenance of various club models that equip members with essential life skills while providing a communal space for women to connect and protect one another.

Women from Mường Pồn commune sharing their opinions during the “March - Month for Listening to Women Members” program.

Currently, the Mường Pồn Women’s Union oversees 22 chapters with 1,488 members. It successfully operates two “Happy Family” clubs, two “Empathy” clubs, and two “Anti-Human Trafficking” clubs, each with 60 members. These models have made counseling and support more substantive, directly contributing to the reduction of domestic strife and enhancing the quality of life for local residents.

The program’s reach extends far beyond Mường Pồn, finding a strong resonance in areas like Sáng Nhè commune. In Pàng Dề B village, the commune’s Women’s Union organized a dialogue that drew a massive turnout. The discussion centered on practical pillars: domestic violence prevention and the pursuit of gender equality. This open forum fostered a level of trust that allowed members to share situations of inequality that still linger in certain pockets of the community.

Lò Thị Phương, Chairperson of the Sáng Nhè Women’s Union, which manages 30 chapters and over 2,600 members, stated that the program allows the Union to grasp the heartbeat of its members' desires. This immediate feedback enables the leadership to provide tailored support while ramping up communication and intervention efforts to safeguard the legitimate rights of women, ensuring they can move toward a life of happiness and progress.

The provincial Women’s Union identifies this program as a cornerstone of the 2025 - 2030 term, emphasizing a grassroots level-first approach that places members at the center of every decision. It has been synchronized across 45 commune and ward-level unions, serving as a critical information channel for the provincial leadership to refine their operational methods. Pờ Diệu Ninh, Chairperson of the provincial Women’s Union, explained that the initiative embodies the “3 Together” motto, which serves as a guiding light for all officials.

Listening together to what women say allows officials to discover and support those at risk of violence. Speaking together so women understand involves disseminating legal knowledge on equality to help women build self-protection skills. Finally, working together so women follow ensures that Union officials act as a direct pillar of support, walking alongside women as they overcome hardships to stabilize their lives and build safe, happy families.

This sincere dialogue is proving to be a powerful bridge connecting the organization with its members. By ensuring that women’s voices are heard, respected, and answered in real-time, the program is laying the foundation for safer communities and reaffirming the indispensable role of the Women’s Union in elevating the status of women in the modern era.

Minh Thảo
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