In recent years, thanks to support from the government, social enterprises, and the resilience of the local community, many families in Bướt village have experienced significant positive changes. Previously, the residents relied primarily on agriculture, but now Bướt village has become a popular tourist destination, attracting more visitors who come to enjoy its pristine natural beauty. This transformation has led to the emergence of various tourism service models.
Boldly venturing into homestay tourism, Ms. Hà Thị Hiếm from Bướt village shared, “Since starting my tourism business, my family’s life has changed significantly. Our income is better compared to farming before. Each month, our finances are stable, allowing us to provide better education for our children. I hope my homestay model will expand further in the village, encouraging more families to start homestays and attract more tourists, leading to the development of our community.”
In addition to providing accommodation services, Ms. Hà Thị Hiếm also offers guests traditional local meals and sells unique agricultural products like rice, corn, sweet potatoes, and bamboo shoots as souvenirs. As a result, her revenue has been quite stable.
Her entrepreneurial model is currently thriving and attracting many other women to participate. However, not all women feel empowered to take action. Mr. Phạm Xuân Định, Deputy Head of the Culture Department of Vân Hồ district, emphasized, “To empower ethnic minority women to start businesses, it is crucial to create motivation for them to overcome barriers and gain confidence. The biggest challenge is whether they dare to dream and take action, and if they are willing to push themselves to grow. There are many opportunities for women to showcase their value and maximize their knowledge of local traditions, thereby promoting their culture to a wide audience, both domestically and internationally.”
Recently, Ms. Christine Hà, a visually impaired American-Vietnamese chef who won the title of MasterChef in the U.S., visited Bước village during her 12-day journey in Vietnam as a cultural ambassador. Her story has inspired local ethnic minority women. Ms. Hà Thị Uyên, a resident of Bước village, reflected, “Christine Hà’s story motivates women like us in the mountains to believe that we can earn money and be self-sufficient to develop our economy.”
Ms. Bàn Thị Kiều, President of the Women’s Union of Chiềng Yên commune, asserted that ethnic minority women are hardworking and resilient, but they are often constrained by family and societal norms. “As a member of the Women’s Union, I will continue to empower women in our area, encouraging them to grow together. Christine Hà’s sharing has inspired many ethnic minority women here, but the most important thing is for each woman to assert herself and demonstrate her capabilities,” Ms. Kiều stated.
Opportunities are always ahead. Many women in Bướt village, Chiềng Yên commune, Vân Hồ district, Sơn La province, and ethnic minority women in general, are seizing entrepreneurial opportunities in their localities, proving their capabilities, creating economic value for their families, and contributing to local economic development.
According to: VOV
Ethnic Minority Women Entrepreneurs: Challenges and Obstacles (vovworld.vn)
