Vietnam’s female sappers shine in UN peacekeeping mission in Africa
WVR - At the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the presence of Vietnamese female peacekeepers from the Engineering Unit brings both strength and grace to one of the most challenging missions in the world.
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| Female soldiers of the Engineering Unit Rotation 2 at a ceremony before leaving for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Abyei. (Photo: VNA) |
Abyei is a remote, conflict-prone region marked by severe infrastructure shortages, harsh weather, and persistent security threats. Yet, the Vietnamese female officers and soldiers work tirelessly alongside their male counterparts in demanding tasks—from constructing field hospitals and installing power and water systems, to digging trenches, pouring concrete, and operating heavy machinery.
With dedication and a strong sense of duty, these women not only fulfill their professional responsibilities with excellence but also contribute meaningfully to team morale and community engagement. Their work has improved living conditions within the mission and enhanced the image of Vietnamese women in the international arena.
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| Major Cu Anh Dao participating in a cultural activity with her unit. (Photo: Engineering Unit Rotation 3) |
Championing the role of women
Born in Y Yen, Nam Dinh Province - a land known for its patriotic tradition, Major Cu Anh Dao was raised with the values of diligence and resilience. Coming from a farming background, she developed a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility early in life.
Entrusted with key roles in the Engineering Unit Rotation 2, Major Cu Anh Dao was tasked with overseeing food supply operations—an area requiring meticulous planning and strict quality control to ensure safety, avoid spoilage, and minimize waste.
In the uniquely harsh environment of UNISFA, where logistics and supply chains are critical, Major Cu Anh Dao executed her duties with outstanding precision. Her contributions earned her a Certificate of Merit from the Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army. She has since been appointed to continue her service in Engineering Unit Rotation 3 (2024–2025 term).
In her new role as a protocol officer, she continues to demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and a calm, courteous demeanor. She is also active in cultural activities, including dance clubs, where she fosters a vibrant team spirit. She shares valuable life skills on family and community well-being and uses her free time to grow vegetables, providing fresh produce to supplement rations for the unit.
With care and creativity, she has also cultivated flower gardens around the camp, creating a greener, more welcoming living and working environment for all personnel.
Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Hao, Commander of Engineering Unit Rotation 3 and former Deputy Commander of Unit Rotation 2, praised Major Cu Anh Dao as “a shining example of responsibility, dedication, and resilience in both work and life. Her contributions not only enhance the unit’s efficiency but also serve as a source of inspiration for her comrades.”
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| Major Dinh Thi Phuong brings Vietnamese culture to the world through her creative, handcrafted works. (Photo: Engineering Unit Rotation 3) |
The creative “Unit chef”
The military-wide movement to study and follow President Ho Chi Minh’s moral example has taken root across all levels, promoting discipline, ethics, and scientific work habits. Among those who stand out is Major Dinh Thi Phuong, the lead cook of Engineering Unit Rotation 3.
During her peacekeeping service at UNISFA, she faced tough conditions. The food supply consisted mainly of frozen beef, chicken, and fish, while vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, napa cabbage, and regular cabbage were limited in quantity.
With resourcefulness and ingenuity, Major Dinh Thi Phuong and her logistics team transformed basic ingredients into diverse, nutritious, and appealing meals. They skillfully combined rations with homegrown vegetables and Vietnamese spices to prepare meals that lifted spirits and boosted physical strength.
More than just nourishing her teammates, she elevated mealtime with her artistic fruit and vegetable carvings. From pumpkins and papayas to tomatoes and lemons, she crafted intricate floral displays shaped into the map of Vietnam, Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum, and iconic symbols like Nha Rong Wharf, bringing cultural pride to every event.
On holidays and special occasions, she prepared traditional Vietnamese dishes such as bánh chưng, bánh tét, crispy spring rolls, stir-fried vermicelli, and warm bamboo shoot soup—offering comfort and cultural connection far from home. Leftover rice was sun-dried and pressed into crispy rice cakes, introducing a Ninh Binh specialty to her international audience.
Her culinary creations consistently won praise from colleagues and foreign guests alike, becoming a unique form of cultural diplomacy that deepened appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.
“Even though the work is tough and food supplies are limited, I always try my best to ensure that my teammates have delicious, nutritious meals,” she said. “I feel truly happy when others enjoy the food. At my former unit, I once created fruit carvings of phoenixes and the map of Vietnam for a competition, and it meant a lot to have those efforts recognized by our commanders.”
Lieutenant Colonel Le Hong Giang, Political Officer of Engineering Unit Rotation 3, commended her dedication and creativity, noting that “she is not only an excellent logistics staff member but also a role model in our emulation movement. She exemplifies the Vietnamese woman - capable in both public and domestic life, always giving her best wherever she is.”
By standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts on United Nations peacekeeping missions, women like Major Cu Anh Dao and Major Dinh Thi Phuong have not only proven their professional mettle but also elevated the image of Vietnamese women on the global stage - resilient, capable, and deeply committed to peace and progress.
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