At commune level, targeted livelihood models have delivered measurable results. In Hoài Ân commune, where many women face unstable employment, low incomes and limited access to capital and skills, the local Women’s Union surveyed members’ needs to design practical, scalable projects. These include clean vegetable growing groups, small-scale pig and poultry raising, coconut worm farming and a “Piggy bank savings” scheme that creates revolving capital.
Alongside these models, the union has organised training in cultivation and animal husbandry, regular group meetings to share experience, and links to product consumption channels. As a result, 50 members have sustainably escaped poverty and 35 households have moved out of near-poverty during the past term.
“These models not only generate income but also help women build teamwork, saving habits and self-reliance, affirming their role in the family and community,” said Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Vương, chairwoman of the Hoài Ân Women’s Union.
Savings schemes have also emerged as a highlight in Kbang commune, which now has seven savings clubs and two piggy bank clubs with nearly 300 members. Collective savings have exceeded 1 billion VND (about USD 40,000), providing 74 poor women with capital to invest in production and improve their livelihoods.
In the past term, all levels of the Union have innovated their content and methods of operation to be more grassroots-oriented and closer to members. Movements have been implemented with focus and direction, closely linked to the local socio-economic development tasks.
As a result, the status of women in families and society has been enhanced. With solidarity and creativity, we believe that the Gia Lai women’s movement will continue to spread profound human values and make practical contributions to the province’s sustainable development in the coming time.”
ĐẶNG THỊ HỒNG HẠNH
Standing Vice Chairwoman, Provincial Women's Union
According to Trần Thị Thơm, deputy head of the Women’s Sub-Association in Hamlet 16, members contribute monthly based on income and open their piggy banks twice a year.
Part of the funds supports two disadvantaged members in each cycle, helping them buy seedlings or livestock, health insurance or school supplies for their children. The approach has helped eliminate poverty within the sub-association while fostering a culture of saving.
One beneficiary, Nguyễn Thị Nghị of Hamlet 16, said she initially received 4 million VND (about USD 160) from the scheme. After buying health insurance, she invested the remainder in macadamia seedlings. With technical support from other members, the trees are thriving and expected to yield their first harvest next year. She now saves nearly 10 million VND (about USD 400) annually through the club and has escaped poverty.
Across the province, the Women’s Union has adapted its operations to be more grassroots-oriented and aligned with local development priorities. In border areas such as Ia Chia commune, the “accompanying border women” programme has mobilised resources to build three “compassion houses” and three toilets, provide 35 livelihood tools, 65 water tanks, 450 gift packages, 100 rice cookers and 30 health insurance cards for poor women. Monitoring shows all assistance has been used as intended, enabling 30 women and their families to work towards sustainable livelihoods.
Social welfare initiatives have extended beyond economic support. Under the “Adoptive mother” programme, the Provincial Police Women’s Union has standardised procedures to identify orphans, assign responsible officers and ensure regular care and monitoring. From 2022 to 2025, 56 orphans, many of whom lost both parents, have been adopted by policewomen who provide both material and emotional support.
Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Yến, a Grade 12 student at Phu My High School No. 2, said the programme had improved her conditions for study since 2022, helping her pursue her ambition of becoming a teacher.
Lieutenant Colonel Châu Ngọc Hồng, chairwoman of the Provincial Police Women’s Union, said the initiative reflects both social responsibility and the humanitarian mission of female police officers “serving the people”. Several commune police units have also adopted foster children at grassroots level.
Cultural preservation has been another pillar of the Women’s Union’s work. In Kông Chro commune, Bahnar women are sustaining ethnic heritage through female gong teams and brocade weaving clubs. The commune now has two female gong teams and three weaving clubs with 200 members.
In Tnang village, women have challenged traditional prejudices by forming female gong teams, growing from 30 to 82 members who regularly perform at festivals. In H’Le village, a brocade weaving club established after vocational training has evolved into a source of sustainable income, with 20 highly skilled artisans producing products valued by the community.
“These creative approaches allow women to preserve cultural identity while improving spiritual life and creating opportunities to link culture with community tourism”, said Ngô Thị Rứa, chairwoman of the Kông Chro Women’s Union.
Some notable results of the Provincial Women's Union’s activities in the 2021–2025 period:
- 1,104 orphans have been adopted by various levels of the Women's Union.
- 88,000 disadvantaged members have received support, with a total budget of 139.5 billion VND.
- 2,045 outstanding female officials and members have been admitted to the Party.
- 21 new cooperatives led or managed by women have been established; 3,847 women have been supported in starting businesses.
