“Golden” Qualities of Vietnamese Businesswomen

"With a little bit of pride, a little bit of anxiety... the achievements that I have worked hard for in the past year and recognized by the female business community are worth being proud of... " These are the feelings shared by Ms. Nguyen Thi Bao Hien, Chair of the Board of Directors, General Director of Hien Le Group, after receiving the title of "Outstanding Vietnamese businesswoman - Golden Rose Cup" in 2021.

The title of "Outstanding Vietnamese Businesswoman - Golden Rose Cup" was awarded by VCCI to 60 prominent businesswomen in 2021, in order to recognize, honor and praise women entrepreneurs who have overcome difficulties and challenges and made important contributions to the country's socio-economic development in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters caused by storms and floods due to climate change.

“In the past year, the female entrepreneurs have worked together to improve the spirit of social responsibility, namely opening a zero-VND supermarket, supporting localities to prevent the pandemic, and organizing charity activities to help those in difficult circumstances. Hien Le Group also sponsored the construction of a school and donated clothes and books supplies to students. No matter what the circumstances, we try to do our best to help society and the community when they need it,” said Ms. Bao Hien, a veteran with many years of service in the army.

Ms. Hien shared that during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more difficult for female entrepreneurs, because they are both the wife and mother taking care of the family, as well as the head of the business being responsible for the life and work of the employees in the company. Her company has maintained and achieved good results in pandemic prevention, so far there have been no cases of COVID-19 among a total of more than 2,000 employees. The company has also made many remarkable achievements in business.

Honored as "Outstanding Vietnamese businesswoman - Golden Rose Cup" in 2021, Ms. Luu Thi Thanh Mau, General Director of Phuc Khang Investment & Construction Joint Stock Company, proudly said: “Phuc Khang has the mission of pioneering and promoting a better lifestyle for public health and sustainable human and ecological environment according to global green standards. We want to create cities with sustainable development in the general development strategy of the country as well as the government. It is sustainable development when each business becomes a strong point of the Government and together with the Government, contributes not only to economic issues but also to social security and spiritual life, as well as the health of workers and the community.”

According to Mr. Pham Tan Cong, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and Head of the Organizing Committee, although accounting for only about a quarter of the total number of enterprises in the country, Vietnamese women entrepreneurs, with smart, creative, industrious, resilient and very gentle qualities, have succeeded in many fields that were previously solely for men such as aviation and electrical refrigeration. The market has instilled them with strong, dynamic, creative and brave qualities. In the past two years, in the general difficulties of the global economy due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, these “golden” qualities shine again. Women-led enterprises have been cautious, persistent and resilient in responding to the pandemic, step by step leading businesses to surmount difficulties and advance toward sustainable development.

Immersed in the teachings of President Ho Chi Minh "Emulation is patriotism", "The more difficult it is, the more you have to emulate", the emulation movement in the business community and female entrepreneurs’ community in this difficult period shows the love of the country, perseverance, resilience and talent of businesswomen who are driving businesses to overcome difficulties, maintain production and business, and ensure jobs and incomes for workers. "The example of those female entrepreneurs makes us admire and respect," affirmed the VCCI President.

VCCI President Cong said that the title "Outstanding Vietnamese Businesswoman - Golden Rose Cup" was awarded in the context that the world economy in general and Vietnam, in particular, are being hit hard by the pandemic. The title has profound meaning: not only is it a recognition of the tireless efforts and success of female entrepreneurs in running their businesses, but through success stories it is also an encouragement to female entrepreneurs, giving them strength and confidence in the next step, and also a summons and inspiration for women's entrepreneurial spirit and business development, contributing to the successful implementation of the target set out in the National Strategy on Gender Equality for the 2021-2030 period: “The ratio of female directors/owners of businesses and cooperatives will reach at least 27% by 2025 and 30% by 2030”.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council said: "The difficulties and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent natural disaster caused by climate change are a test to female entrepreneurs through the proactive strategy of turning to adapt and make a breakthrough in business."

In the current context of many difficulties and challenges, the role of Vietnamese businesswomen becomes even more important. They are the economic frontliners, steadfastly accompanying the country through the difficult period, and at the same time, a solid "base" for other fronts, such as health and social security.

By Anh Mai, Vietnam Business Forum