At Chiềng Tông village, Thanh Yên commune, the meetings of the “Community Communication Group” are maintained regularly, attracting a large number of women members to participate. Information dissemination contents related to gender equality, prevention of domestic violence, and harmful effects of child marriage and consanguineous marriage are transmitted in a visual, easy-to-understand form, suitable for the people’s awareness. Thanks to that, many members have gained more knowledge to apply to life and propagate back to the community.

Lường Thị Diên, a member of the Community Communication Group, Chiềng Tông village, Thanh Yên commune, shared: “Participating in the Community Communication Group activities, we are propagated about the prevention and control of domestic violence, consanguineous marriage, and the status of child marriage, helping us understand and propagate back to our children and grandchildren. Through the meetings, I have become more confident when discussing gender equality and issues related to women and children with relatives.”

Currently, Thanh Yên commune has established 8 Community Communication Groups, 2 trusted addresses, and 1 livelihood model owned by women. Lò Thị Thanh Bình, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union of Thanh Yên commune, said: “Since the implementation of Project 8, I see that women’s activities are better, the awareness of all people, especially women regarding gender equality, is improved; the quality of life of the people is gradually raised, contributing to the general development of Thanh Yên commune.”

Not only focusing on communication, but some models under Project 8 also directly support women and children when facing risks. The “Trusted Address” model in Nậm Hẹ village, Núa Ngam commune, established in 2023, has become a safe shelter for victims of domestic violence or abuse, while connecting with authorities and professional agencies to handle cases according to regulations.

Lò Thị Hạnh, a member of the “Trusted Address” model in Nậm Hẹ village, said: “Previously, when domestic violence occurred, many women in the village did not know where to seek support; but since the ‘Trusted Address’ model was established, women feel more secure because there is a place to receive and help. At the same time, when participating in the model, the Commune Women’s Union also strengthens information dissemination on regimes and policies related to women and children, contributing to improving understanding and helping people access practical policies more fully.”

Quàng Thị Tuyết, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union of Núa Ngam commune, said: “During the implementation of Project 8, there are still many difficulties due to the large area, sparse population, and existing barriers in customs and practices. However, the support of party committees and authorities, along with the proactiveness of members and people, has helped the models increasingly promote effectiveness. Many village heads and village elders have become active information dissemination forces, contributing to bringing the content of Project 8 closer to the people. From there, people’s awareness of gender equality has changed clearly, women have opportunities to participate more in social activities; girls receive attention from families, creating conditions for study, avoiding child marriage.”

The whole province currently has 540 Community Communication Groups with nearly 4,800 members; 50 “Trusted Address” models and 96 “Leader of Change” clubs. These models under the framework of Project 8 being deployed in the province have contributed to preventing acts of abuse and violence; simultaneously building a safe and healthy living environment for women and girls, especially in highland communes and border areas of the province.