Quang Tri: The establishment of Vinh Linh district women with disabilities club

During the opening ceremony of the Vinh Linh District Women with Disabilities Club, the hall was filled with singing glorifying the homeland. The activity is organized by the Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC) in collaboration with the Women's Union of Vinh Linh District within the framework of the project "Social Assistance and independent living, period 2022 - 2023” on August 2, 2022.

The ceremony was attended by Mr Thai Vinh Lieu - Chairman of the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Victims of Agent Orange, Protecting Persons with Disabilities and Protecting Children's Rights in the province; Mr Nguyen Thien Tung - Vice Chairman of Vinh Linh District People's Committee; Mr Vu Van Phong – Member of Standing Board of District Party Committee, Head of District Party Committee's Mass Mobilization Department, Chairman of District Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; Ms Nguyen Thi Tuyet - Chairwoman of Vinh Linh District Women's Union; representatives of departments, unions, representatives of women's unions at all levels; with the participation of 32 women with disabilities from 18 communes in Vinh Linh district.

Right at the ceremony, the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Victims of Agent Orange, Protecting Persons with Disabilities and Protecting Children's Rights in the province presented a gift of 30 million VND to the Women with Disabilities Club to assist members in turning capital, increasing production and economic development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Nguyen Thi Tuyet - Chairwoman of Vinh Linh District Women's Union emphasized: “Persons with disabilities in general and women with disabilities in particular encounter numerous challenges and obstacles in life and work. Despite social awareness, there are still impediments to the participation of women with disabilities. We acknowledge the demand to organize activities of Associations/Groups/Clubs for women, especially women with disabilities, which will create an environment and opportunities for women with disabilities to blend into the community. Through the Integration I project, the birth of the Women with Disabilities Club created conditions for living, exchanging and improving understanding for women and girls with disabilities. I hope that the Board of Directors and the members have a rich plan of activities to attract the participation of many women with disabilities and can replicate the model in many areas.”

The birth of the Women with Disabilities Club is a step forward to help women raise their voices and better integrate into the community. The club is likewise a place to share guidelines and policies of the Party, and laws of the State, as well as to support women with disabilities to access more favourable and timely policies of the province and district.

In the presentation, Ms Nguyen Thi Yen, a member of the Club from Vinh Thuy commune shared: “The 32 of us sisters have a situation and a life, but we also have many things in common. We have disadvantages in numerous aspects, lack of confidence and opportunities to participate in social activities. Today, we are very happy and excited to be supported by the District Women's Union, ACDC, and Vinh Linh district departments to facilitate the establishment of our club. The establishment of the Women with Disabilities Club is a great chance for us to meet, share, and expand our knowledge and vision. We promise to always unite, love and help each other overcome difficulties.”

In particular, through monthly activities and meetings in the coming time, the Club promises to bring many positive changes to women with disabilities in Vinh Linh district, contributing to spreading the positive value to many women with disabilities in the district as well as in Quang Tri province in general.

Translator: Linh Chi