The campaign, launched by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women’s Union, has encouraged widespread participation, with local authorities and organizations hosting events aimed at honoring the traditional Vietnamese ao dai and promoting its cultural significance.
Despite evolving global fashion trends, the ao dai continues to hold a special place in the wardrobes of Vietnamese women. The traditional dress is commonly worn during festivals, the Lunar New Year, engagement and wedding ceremonies, as well as major political and cultural events, symbolizing elegance, grace and Vietnam’s enduring cultural identity.
Beyond daily life, the ao dai has also emerged as a cultural ambassador for Vietnam on international stages, from artistic performances to beauty pageants. Images of Vietnamese women wearing the garment have helped introduce the country’s culture and traditions to global audiences.
In recent years, “Ao Dai Week” organized by the Vietnam Women’s Union has grown into a nationwide cultural movement. Participants say each ao dai worn during the campaign not only celebrates the beauty of Vietnamese women but also expresses pride in national traditions and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Hoang Thi Thanh Nha, Vice President of the Provincial Women’s Union, said the organization has coordinated with agencies and local units to expand activities throughout the province.
Following guidance from the central union, the provincial committee called on agencies, local authorities and women’s unions in 135 communes and wards, as well as the Women’s Union of the Provincial Military Command and the Women’s Affairs Committee of the Provincial Police, to organize events promoting the ao dai.
From March 1 to March 8, female officials and union members have been encouraged to wear ao dai at work where appropriate. Local unions have also organized cultural exchanges, contests, mass dance performances and photo sessions, alongside media campaigns to increase public engagement.
Vo Bich Thao Vy, a member of the executive committee and head of the Propaganda and Women’s Affairs Department at the Provincial Labor Federation, said the federation has also encouraged female union members and workers to wear ao dai in workplaces suited to their job requirements.
Participants have been sharing photos and videos on social media platforms such as Zalo, Facebook and YouTube to promote the campaign and highlight the image of women in professional settings, she added. Many agencies and organizations have coordinated events around March 6 as part of the campaign.
Across offices and institutions, the presence of women wearing brightly colored ao dai has become a notable feature during the week, contributing to a festive atmosphere while celebrating the elegance of Vietnamese women.
Le Thi Yen Nhi, a lecturer at the Faculty of Automotive Technology at Quy Nhon College of Engineering and Technology, said the occasion carries special meaning.
“My teaching work is often connected to the workshop, so daily clothing needs to be practical for technical tasks,” she said. “As the only female lecturer in the faculty, wearing the ao dai during Ao Dai Week and International Women’s Day makes me feel proud and more connected with my female colleagues.”
Local women’s unions have also launched various activities to encourage participation among officials and members.
The Women’s Affairs Committee of the Provincial Police organized meetings and awareness campaigns highlighting the role and contributions of women in the armed forces. In Ya Hoi commune, the local Women’s Union held discussions and mass dance performances.
In Hoai Nhon Bac ward, the Women’s Union organized a rally celebrating International Women’s Day and awarded prizes for the photo contest “Charming Spring Colors of Gia An Nam Flower Village,” which drew participation from more than 350 female officials and members.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Union in Van Canh commune hosted a traditional cake display contest themed “Flavors of Homeland – Connecting Love” and a video contest combining ao dai performances with folk dance titled “Vietnamese Ao Dai – Confident Van Canh Women.”
The highlight of this year’s celebrations will be a mass performance and ao dai parade under the theme “Gia Lai Women – Aspiring for Development,” scheduled to take place on the afternoon of March 8 at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square in Quy Nhon ward.
Organizers expect nearly 900 delegates, officials and female union members to participate in the ao dai parade, alongside around 500 participants performing mass dances to songs praising the Party, President Ho Chi Minh and the country.
