Modern women dare to think, dare to act, dare to be different to create their own value: Expert
WVR - Women of the new era no longer place their happiness and entire lives in the hands of others, instead they build their own qualities, careers, relationships, and happiness.
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| Education expert To Thuy Diem Quyen believes that if Vietnamese women are given opportunities for education and access to technology, they can become a core force in sustainable development. (Photo courtesy of To Thuy Diem Quyen) |
In the dynamic flow of the digital age, Vietnamese women today are not only the "keepers of the flame" in families but also creators of knowledge, sources of inspiration, and contributors to shaping the nation's future. In any field, from economics and education to science and technology, women's impact is clearly marked by creativity, courage, and compassion.
Speaking with The World and Vietnam Report, To Thuy Diem Quyen, an education expert and capacity development advisor, founder and CEO of InnEdu, and one of the 20 inspirational women of 2021 as selected by Forbes Vietnam, shared her perspective on Vietnamese women of the new era. According to her, they are confidently taking charge of their lives, breaking boundaries, and contributing to the beautiful narrative of gender equality, sustainable development, and the aspiration to elevate the nation.
Creators, courageous, and compassionate
In the current social context where women's roles are increasingly affirmed, how do you perceive the image of the "Vietnamese women of the new era"?
In the past, the image of Vietnamese women was often associated with the praise "good at collective work, proficient in housework" – a notion that was somewhat unfair. Today, many women assert their capabilities by being true to themselves, choosing their own paths, and contributing to the community with knowledge, compassion, and creative thinking.
“Good at collective work, proficient in housework” is not just about fulfilling responsibilities but also about balancing traditional values of altruism and sacrifice with a spirit of openness, willingness to learn, critique, and act.
They can be mothers who inspire lifelong learning in their children, female engineers leading colleagues in major projects, or teachers in remote areas using technology to bring students closer to the world.
Women of the new era no longer place their happiness or lives in the hands of others but actively build their own qualities, careers, relationships, and happiness. They are the architects of their own lives.
I believe that the image of Vietnamese women today is a harmonious combination of courage, knowledge, and human values. They maintain traditional roles in the family while actively participating in social life, contributing intellect and capacity to the nation's development.
More importantly, they are confident in themselves, dare to choose their own paths, raise the voice of women, and protect the values they pursue. With compassion, perseverance, and a progressive spirit, if given opportunities for education, access to technology, and leadership skill training, Vietnamese women can undoubtedly become pioneers in sustainable development.
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| When women are trusted with authority, they often make humanist decisions with long-term vision, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable society. (Photo courtesy of To Thuy Diem Quyen) |
In your opinion, what are the priority areas to fully unleash the potential of Vietnamese women today?
For Vietnamese women to truly develop and contribute commensurately with their potential, I believe we need to focus on three key policy pillars.
Firstly, equal and open education: It is not just about learning opportunities but the right to study in a gender-unbiased environment where girls are encouraged to study STEM, leadership, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking. Women must have equality in income and household work. There should be no career field that women cannot pursue unless health is a constraint. Parents should not hold the view that daughters will eventually rely on their husbands and therefore do not need higher education. Let young girls have the right to live their own lives.
Secondly, policies supporting women in science and technology. Previously, as a Microsoft education representative in Vietnam, I participated as a lecturer for a lovely project called "Digigirl". This project supported girls, especially in highland areas, to study technology fields. They demonstrated incredible intellectual strength and determination, proving that women can become technology experts on par with men. There should be research funds, scholarships, and female mentor networks to help women deeply engage in new fields like AI, big data, biotechnology, and digital education.
| “Education and self-belief are the keys for women to break all barriers. A well-educated woman not only possesses knowledge but also has the ability to think independently, dare to question, and choose the right path for herself.” |
Thirdly, creative economy and female entrepreneurship. Women have a special ability to create humane and sustainable solutions. Therefore, there is a need for soft credit policies, female startup incubators, and digital transformation support programs for rural women and female-led businesses. The proportion of women in key positions should also increase. Many scientific studies show that female leaders have a positive impact on all areas of life globally.
In fact, investing in women is not just a humane slogan but a smart economic development strategy. Women make up nearly half of the workforce and often have high organizational skills and adaptability. Therefore, if we invest in education, digital skills training, creative entrepreneurship, and mental health care for women, national productivity will increase significantly. A confident, knowledgeable, and healthy woman will spread positive energy to her family and community.
Additionally, policies ensuring equal opportunities in work, leadership, and advancement are crucial. When women are trusted with authority, they often make humane decisions with long-term vision, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable society.
Keys to confidence and independence for women
In their journey of self-assertion, women still face many social prejudices and invisible barriers. What is most important for them to overcome these limitations?
I spent many years cocooned in a "shell" I created, believing my abilities were limited and life had closed after marriage. It wasn't until later that I realized the key to changing life is nothing but self-education, which means changing mindset, belief, and knowledge foundation. Among these, education is the root, and belief is the motivation.
An open education helps women recognize their self-worth and understand that they have the right to shine. But only with belief do they have the courage to step out of their comfort zone, dare to try, dare to fail, and dare to be different. Education, if understood correctly, not only imparts knowledge but also ignites that belief. Because when women believe they are deserving, they can create "magic" for their own lives and communities.
| “A confident, knowledgeable, and healthy woman will spread positive energy to her family and community.” |
I believe that education and self-belief are the keys for women to break all barriers. A well-educated woman not only possesses knowledge but also has the ability to think independently, dare to question, and choose the right path for herself. However, it is crucial that society changes its perception of women's roles. When women aim for success, they often have to "prove twice as much" as men, which is unfair. We need to create a truly equal environment where each individual is evaluated based on ability and contribution, not gender.
I always encourage young women to ask themselves: "Who do I want to become, and what do I need to learn to achieve that?" In reality, when women dare to dream big and take action, nothing is impossible.
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| Vietnamese women possess many admirable qualities such as resilience, rich emotions, and the aspiration to rise. |
From a human resource development perspective, how do you evaluate the role of women in promoting innovation and digital transformation, fields traditionally seen as "male domains"?
I think that stereotype is gradually being erased. In reality, many women are achieving great success in technology and innovation, from startups and data management to artificial intelligence. Women have a keen sense of detail, analytical skills, and emotional connection, which are crucial in the digital era where technology must be aligned with human factors.
In other words, digital transformation is not a male domain but a realm of intellect, emotion, and human understanding, where women have a natural advantage. Women are not just technology users but can be creators of humane technology, solutions that serve people, care for mental health, educate children, and develop communities.
It's time to redefine "technological capability" not just as programming or technical skills but as the ability to apply technology to create social value. Schools, businesses, and organizations should actively create environments that encourage women to participate in technology projects, train digital skills, and empower leadership in innovation teams.
We should encourage more women to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), support them through training programs, scholarships, and female mentor networks. When women confidently step into technology fields, they not only change their own lives but also contribute to building a more comprehensive and humane digital economy.
"Dare to be different to create your own value"
With years of experience in education and capacity development, what message do you have for young women today who are striving to build their courage and confidence to become "Vietnamese women of the new era"?
The world is changing faster than ever, and opportunities have never been more abundant for those who dare to learn, think, and act. Believe that knowledge is power, compassion is identity, and courage is wings. Do not fear failure, for each stumble is a step toward maturity. Do not fear being different, for it is that difference that creates your unique value. And don't forget, learn not just to excel but to understand – to love – to contribute to making this world a better place.
Young women – dare to be different, dare to step out of your comfort zone, and don't fear failure. Success does not come from being better than others but from knowing who you are, what you want, and continuously learning to get closer to that goal.
Throughout the nation's development journey, Vietnamese women have always stood as symbols of resilience and kindness. They are not only the backbone of families but also a driving force for social progress, playing a crucial role in innovation and international integration. When women are encouraged to learn, create, and are given opportunities to showcase their abilities, the nation will gain more confident, proactive, and ambitious citizens.
