BAT Vietnam - Women’s empowerment program: BAT Vietnam concludes 2024 program in Long An

BAT Vietnam, in collaboration with the Women’s Union of Duc Hue and Tan Thanh districts, held the closing ceremony of the 2024 “Women’s Empowerment” program. 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 program’s effectiveness, but also as an opportunity for women supported by the program to share their personal stories on how micro-financing became stepping stones toward sustainable livelihoods, enhanced family incomes and life stability.

Previously, in May 2024, the program disbursed 700 million VND of interest-free loans to 56 underprivileged women from border communes in Duc Hue and Tan Thanh districts, with each receiving an average of 10-20 million VND. 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.

Ms. Vo Thi Bich Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Women’s Union of Duc Hue 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”.

Beyond financial support, the program 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. Ms. Vo Thi Ngoc Em from My Quy Dong commune, Duc Hue district. She utilized 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  practical action from the company and an incredibly meaningful source of encouragement for us,” said Ms. Ngoc Em.

In Nhon Hoa Lap, Tan Thanh district, Ms. Truong Thi Lam and Ms. Nguyen Thi Mot each raises over 1,000 muscovy ducks and earns profits. 

The “Women’s Empowerment” program has not only delivered practical impact at the local level but was also featured in BAT Group’s 2024 Sustainability Report, which affirms the program’s well recognized 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.