This event is part of Project 8, focused on “Promoting Gender Equality and Addressing Pressing Issues for Women and Children”, spearheaded by the Vietnam Women’s Union in collaboration with relevant ministries and functional agencies. Additionally, the program is a direct outcome of a survey, research, and documentation collection conducted by the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Bắc Hà District in March 2024.

The event was attended by local government leaders, representatives from various levels of the Vietnam Women’s Union, members of the press, as well as the teachers and students of Bắc Hà Secondary and High School.

Distinguished Delegates at the Event

The “Sunlight on the Highlands” program, held in Lào Cai Province, brought together over 600 students and teachers from Bắc Hà Secondary and High School in Bắc Hà District.

This meaningful event served as an inspirational platform to ignite the determination of students to overcome challenges and chase their dreams. It also carried a powerful message, “Empowering Ethnic Minority Women – Be Confident, Take Charge of Your Life,” fostering confidence and resilience among participants.

The event welcomed the participation of over 600 students from Bắc Hà Secondary and High School, located in Bắc Hà District, Lào Cai Province.

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Tuyết, Member of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women’s Union and Director of the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, expressed profound satisfaction in acknowledging the notable progress achieved by Bắc Hà District. This includes the establishment of eight “Trusted Address” models, the engagement of nearly 130 members, and the formation of 13 “Leaders of Change” clubs within schools. She emphasized that the initiatives under Project 8 have begun to deliver meaningful and tangible improvements to the lives of women and children in ethnic minority communities, as well as in mountainous and remote regions.

“We are witnessing profound shifts in both the awareness and actions of women, extending from their families to the broader social fabric. These outcomes are a testament to the unwavering leadership and meticulous guidance of local Party committees and governmental authorities, as well as the seamless coordination among various levels of the Women’s Union and relevant departments, agencies, and organizations,” Ms. Nguyễn Thị Tuyết underscored.

Mr. Trần Xuân Thảo, Vice Chairman of the Bắc Hà District People’s Committee, remarked: “Project 8 has opened up countless opportunities and inspired hope for equality and development within ethnic minority and mountainous communities. Notably, for students, the ‘Leaders of Change’ club model has been instrumental in providing them with critical knowledge and skills to thrive.”

Mr. Trần Xuân Thảo, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Bắc Hà District, Lào Cai Province.

Within the framework of the event, the “Confident to Shine” exchange program took place, featuring two distinguished guests—young individuals from ethnic minority communities who have transcended societal stereotypes and persevered through challenges to achieve remarkable success. Their inspiring journeys reflect a commitment to personal growth and the dissemination of positive energy within their communities. The featured guests were:

• Ms. Sùng Thị Sơ, a member of the Mông ethnic group from Yên Bái Province, currently employed at a prominent law firm in Hanoi.
• Ms. H’Nen Nie, a member of the Ê Đê ethnic group from Đắk Lắk Province, presently pursuing her studies at the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Their narratives serve as profound testaments to resilience and determination, offering inspiration and encouragement to their peers while fostering a spirit of empowerment and progress within ethnic minority communities.

As part of the event, the “My Dreams” exhibition, organized by the Vietnam Women’s Museum, was officially inaugurated. The exhibition showcases stories and reflections on the journeys of women and children in highland areas who have been striving to overcome gender barriers through the impactful initiatives of Project 8. Notably, the “Leaders of Change” model, established in schools across Lào Cai, Gia Lai, Điện Biên, Quảng Bình, and many other provinces nationwide, has played a pivotal role in empowering these communities.

Delegates and students visited the “My Dreams” exhibition, organized by the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

At the event, students had the opportunity to participate in various games and received souvenirs from Project 8, part of the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas.

The students enthusiastically posed for photos with hashtags from Project 8 – Promoting Gender Equality and Addressing Pressing Issues for Women and Children.

The ceremonial opening of the “Writing Your Dreams” initiative.

Representatives from the Vietnam Women’s Museum, the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee of the Central Vietnam Women’s Union, the “Soldier’s Heart” organization, and the “Forever 20” club presented books to the students.

Delegates and ethnic minority students posed for commemorative photos.