Saving to help women with difficult circumstances
Women's Union of Bau Bang District has actively embraced and implemented Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style through specific actions. One notable initiative is the "Saving to help women in need" program, which has stood out during the period from 2016 to 2025. This program not only provides support to women facing hardships but also fosters a spirit of mutual love, solidarity, and assistance within the community.
Small actions, big meaning
One of the leading organizations in implementing the "Saving to Help Women in Difficulty" program is Women's Union of Lai Hung commune. Over the past ten years, the WU has mobilized its female members to raise 279 piggy banks, generating nearly 96 million VND in total revenue. Through this initiative, the WU has supported 263 members and their children facing difficult circumstances in the area.
For instance, the Women's Union used savings fund from the piggy bank program to assist Ms. Nguyen Thi Be, a WU member from Ben Tuong hamlet. Both she and her husband are disabled and live in poverty. To make ends meet, she sells lottery tickets daily. Another example is Ms. Thuong Thi Thu Thuy, a WU member of Lai Khe hamlet. Her family faces similar challenges, as both she and her husband have lost their ability to work and are raising two orphaned grandchildren. They currently sell bread to fund their grandchildren's education.
In each case, the Commune Women's Union provided support of 2 million VND along with a gift worth 500,000 VND, aiming to encourage these women, enhance their confidence, and motivate them to overcome their difficulties while also providing them with capital to start businesses and increase their income.
Ms. Dinh Thi Bich Tuyen, President of Lai Hung Commune Women's Union, stated, "The Women's Union has developed an annual plan for the 'Piggy Bank' model to encourage members and women to contribute. The funds raised through this program are used by the WU to provide necessities, health insurance, and financial support to members facing difficult circumstances, helping them improve their livelihoods and stabilize their lives. Additionally, we offer scholarships and books to students. This initiative is a meaningful endeavor of the WU, making a positive contribution to the local social security program and motivating underprivileged members to work towards improving their lives."
Spreading the study and following of Uncle Ho
Ms. Pham Thi Tuyet Nhung, President of Bau Bang District Women's Union, stated, "Standing Committee of the District Women's Union believes that studying and following Uncle Ho should begin with small, practical actions. Since 2017, we have initiated a savings model using a simple yet effective method. This involves raising piggy banks and establishing gold savings accounts at each branch and association. Every member and cadre is encouraged to save from their daily expenses, support each other in charitable work, and help members overcome difficulties."
In addition to the piggy bank, Women's Union of Bau Bang District engages in various meaningful initiatives to support women facing difficult circumstances. One such initiative is the "Solidarity Group," which assists with logistical needs for funerals, weddings, and other events. The Women's Union also has established 267 savings groups with a total of 9,299 members. These groups have successfully mobilized numerous funding sources, allowing 1,034 women to borrow capital to develop their businesses and stabilize their family lives. |
The program "Saving to Help Women in Need" enables women to train themselves in accordance with President Ho Chi Minh's ideology of "diligence, thrift, integrity, and uprightness." Inspired by the concept of "frugality" taught by Uncle Ho, small contributions in the form of money and gifts have combined to create significant resources. This initiative fosters collective strength, uniting women in communes and towns throughout the district. Currently, 100% of cadres, civil servants, public employees, and members of the Women’s Union are participating by setting up piggy banks, each saving at least 10,000 VND per week.
Recently, the District Women's Union directed grassroots unions to break open 768 piggy banks as part of the year-end summary, which coincides with International Women's Day (March 8) and the Founding Day of Vietnam Women's Union (October 20). Additionally, they extracted 27 "Golden Savings Books in accordance with Uncle Ho's teachings." Through these actions, the WU has supported 707 women who found themselves in sudden difficult circumstances and provided 48 health insurance cards along with 659 scholarships to poor but diligent students, amounting to nearly 612 million VND in total.
The success of the "Saving to Help Women in Need" is evident not only in the numbers but also in the development of a sense of saving, responsibility, and compassion among each member. Related movements and activities such as singing contests about Uncle Ho, themed storytelling, tree planting, and gift-giving to underprivileged women have been organized, attracting many participants. These efforts have contributed to making the study and practice of Uncle Ho's teachings a regular part of community life.
Ms. Pham Thi Tuyet Nhung shared, "Every penny saved is discussed democratically by the union, ensuring it is used for the right purposes and the right people. From providing scholarships and purchasing health insurance to supporting start-up capital for women, the program has become an 'extended arm' of the association, helping many women gain confidence and motivation to improve their lives. Furthermore, through this program, every cadre and member learns valuable lessons from Uncle Ho about everything from saving money to sharing with those less fortunate."
With the "Saving to Help Women in Need" program, Women's Union of Bau Bang District continues to uphold the Vietnamese tradition of mutual love, solidarity, kindness, and compassion.
Reported by Ngoc Nhu - Translated by Ngoc Huynh
