HCM CITY - The event marked a year of positive progress on enhancing livelihoods of underrepresented women in the poverty-stricken border regions.

The ceremony served not only as a milestone to reflect on the progress achieved over the past year, opportunities and challenges to improve the programme’s effectiveness, but also as an opportunity for women supported by the programme to share their personal stories on how micro-financing became stepping stones toward sustainable livelihoods, enhanced family incomes and life stability.

The 2024 “Women’s Empowerment” program marked a year of positive progress on enhancing livelihoods of underrepresented women in the poverty-stricken border regions

Previously, in May 2024, the programme disbursed VNĐ700 million of interest-free loans to 56 underprivileged women from border communes in Đức Huệ and Tân Thạnh districts, with each receiving an average of VNĐ10-20 million. The loans were effectively used for various livelihood activities such as raising livestock (cows, pigs, chickens, ducks), fish farming, and small-scale trading. With earnings from these activities, the women have been able to make monthly repayments, fostering a habit of financial management.

Võ Thị Bích Thuỷ , vice chairwoman of the Women’s Union of Đức Huệ District, remarked: “This has not only built confidence and life stability but also aligned with the national objectives of sustainable livelihoods and new rural development criteria”.

The loans from the programme have built confidence and life stability for underrepresented women in Đức Huệ and Tân Thạnh districts

Beyond financial support, the programme also provides training sessions, conducted by local Women’s Union branches and agricultural officers, to transfer agricultural and livestock science and technology while raising awareness on preventing illicit tobacco trade and social issues, further equipping women with knowledge and resilience.

The closing ceremony also spotlighted inspiring stories.

Võ Thị Ngọc Em from Mỹ Quý Đông commune, Đức Huệ District. She utilised the loan to start a snack business, and the profits from her trade not only help improve her family’s living condition, enabling her to purchase a motorcycle on installment for more convenient transportation of her child to school. “This is a practical action from the company and an incredibly meaningful source of encouragement for us,” said Ngọc Em.

In Nhơn Hoà Lập, Tân Thạnh District, Trương Thị Lam and Nguyễn Thị Một each raises over 1,000 muscovy ducks and earns profits.

The “Women’s Empowerment” programme has not only delivered practical impact at the local level but was also featured in BAT Group’s 2024 Sustainability Report, which affirms the programme’s well recognised values. This is not merely a corporate social responsibility initiative but BAT Vietnam’s long-term commitment to fostering resilience and cohesion of local communities and the country.