A short play demonstrating the consequences of domestic violence and gender inequality. Stage performances have proven to be an effective tool to raise community's awareness about gender equality in Lam Dong province. (Photo: baolamdong.vn)

Ms. K’Hien, a teacher at Vo Thi Sau Secondary School, frequently holds discussions about gender equality with her students in remote areas. She explains why child marriage and consanguineous marriage must be avoided with real and close-to-life examples. 

“There are still some cases of child marriage and consanguineous marriage in my village. We try to help our students understand the long-term consequences of these customs, and it worked," K’Hien said. 

The provincial Women's Union also holds engaging outreach sessions in each village and hamlet, with stage performances about domestic violence and other consequences of child marriages. This approach has proven to be more accessible than printed materials. 

A workshop on child marriage and consanguineous marriage in Lam Dong province (Photo: baolamdong.vn)

Lo Mu Ka Sem, a local, said she realized that child marriage and consanguineous marriage can have adverse impacts on women's education, future, and health. This simple statement is a sign that the community's awareness and mindset about these issues, as well as gender and gender equality is changing for the better.

Five years after it was implemented in Lam Dong province, Project 8 has helped eliminate gender stereotypes among family members and society , shift away from outdated customs, and significantly reduced domestic violence against women and children. 

To date, the provincial Women’s Union has deployed 248 community communication teams, built 49 establishments to support women and children in cases of violence, and established 66 youth clubs for secondary school students. It has provided financial and technical supports to dozens of women-led cooperatives. 

H’Vi Eban, Chairwoman of Lam Dong Women’s Union, told VOV, “We've organized training classes and outreach sessions on gender equality, domestic violence prevention, and parenting skills. In these sessions, we also discussed digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and household management skills to help local women gain more confidence."

H'Vi EBan, Chairwoman of Lam Dong Women’s Union, addresses a meeting on the action month for gender equality and tackling gender-based violence. (Photo: baolamdong.vn)

Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union, said coordination among stakeholders is key to the project in the next  five years. “The program needs comprehensive direction from party committees and authorities, and coordination among departments and sectors. We must choose a suitable livelihood model that aligns with preserving ethnic culture, improve women’s adaptability, and support vulnerable groups and children,” she added. 

Women from ethnic minority communities apply new production techniques to help promote their local specialties (Photo: baolamdong.vn)

Gender equality cannot happen overnight. Big changes begin with small acts. It begins with teachers like Ms. K'Hien, who tells her students stories and gives examples of gender inequality every week. It can also begin with an outreach session, or a woman brave enough to speak up for herself. Project 8 is making meaningful changes in Lam Dong's ethnic minority communities and fostering a more sustainable future for the people here. 

Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union, addresses a meeting in September 2025 with Lam Dong provincial authorities on implementing Project 8. (Photo: baolamdong.vn)