Stories

Yên Bái, a province in Northwestern Vietnam, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly the terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai. It is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with ethnic minority communities such as the Thai, Mong, Dao, and Tay. The local economy thrives on agriculture, forestry, and mineral resources, with signature products including Shan Tuyet tea, Tu Le sticky rice, indigenous apples, Bat Do bamboo shoots, and smoked buffalo meat.

The SMEs Promote Resilience, Inclusion, and Innovative Transformation (SPRINT) Project is dedicated to improving the socio-economic well-being of ethnic minority women in Yên Bái through sustainable agricultural development. Implemented by Cowater International from 2023 to 2029, SPRINT seeks to create lasting opportunities for women to build independent and fulfilling lives.

Today, we are honored to share the stories of two incredible women—both from ethnic minority backgrounds—who are working with the SPRINT Project to drive change in their communities.

Vi Thi Xuyen – SPRINT Project Officer (Tay Ethnic Minority Group)

“I am a Tay woman, born and raised in a poor rural village in Luc Yen district, Yên Bái province. My hometown is home to many ethnic minority groups, including the Tay, Nung, Dao, and Thai. Life here is incredibly difficult — people toil year-round, working the land from dawn to dusk, yet poverty remains a constant struggle.

 My family was no exception, but I was fortunate. My parents and older siblings sacrificed their own education so that I could go to school. I still remember the women in my village—my mother, my sister, my neighbors — working tirelessly, yet barely having enough to eat or wear. Even more heartbreaking, many of my female friends had to leave school to marry at just 15—an age meant for dreams and aspirations.

 When I left my village for the city to study, I carried the hopes of my family, my community, and the unfulfilled dreams of my peers. I once promised them, ‘One day, when I graduate and earn money, I will buy beautiful dresses for all of you!’ That promise became my driving force, pushing me through every challenge in my studies.

 Graduation day finally came, but I knew my journey had only just begun. My greatest aspiration was to help my homeland — especially the women — build a better, more independent life. That opportunity arrived when I joined the SPRINT Project. With all my passion and determination, I applied, hoping to contribute in some small way to empowering women in my community.

 Through SPRINT, I work to help women access education, improve financial literacy, and develop the confidence to break free from poverty, assert their voices in their families, and secure their place in society. I am committed to this mission, and I will continue striving to bring positive change — so that ethnic minority women in Yên Bái are not only free from poverty but can stand proudly and independently in their own lives.”

Lo Thi Hong Nhung – SPRINT Project Accountant (Thai Ethnic Minority Group)

“Born and raised in a mountainous district where more than 85% of the population belongs to the Thai ethnic group, I have witnessed firsthand the hardships that generations of ethnic minority women have endured — outdated customs like child marriage and persistent gender inequality. At times, our future felt hopeless, with no way out.

As an ethnic minority woman, I have always dreamed of contributing to my community—especially in rural areas where women continue to face many disadvantages. I wanted to help build a path toward a better life.

That aspiration only grew stronger as I got older. After graduating, I actively sought opportunities to support my community, traveling to remote areas to participate in development projects. Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the SPRINT Project, where my colleagues and I work tirelessly to create real, lasting change.

 Through SPRINT’s initiatives, we are helping women—especially ethnic minority women—navigate economic integration and build stronger, more resilient futures. I truly believe that, with the dedication and determination of our team, the efforts we make today will lead to meaningful and lasting impact in the years to come.”

SPRINT team hopes these heartfelt stories inspire and motivate our readers as they support women in disadvantaged communities worldwide, ensuring they have the opportunities, resources, and confidence to shape their own destinies.

About SPRINT project: The SMEs Promote Resilience, Inclusion, and Innovation Transformation (SPRINT) Project (2023–2029) is driving change in Yên Bái, Vietnam by improving the socio-economic well-being of Ethnic Minority Women (EMW) in the agriculture sector.

By strengthening MSMEs, cooperatives, and producer groups, the project tackles critical skills and knowledge gaps, promotes innovation, and supports the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions. It also encourages leadership development and works alongside government, communities, and men and boys to enhance women’s agency and economic participation.