Under the soft glow of a Da Nang evening, 50 women were celebrated for their heartfelt contributions to their city, from teaching children to cleaning beaches, in a ceremony that underscored the power of community spirit.
In a lively community hall filled with families and supporters, the Da Nang Women’s Union hosted a ceremony on Thursday to honour 50 women for their roles in two campaigns: “Building Vietnamese Women of the New Era” and “Each Member – A Beautiful Gesture, Each Union Organisation – A Meaningful Action.” Held to mark the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday (19 May 1890–2025), the event spotlighted the Union’s mission to foster compassion and collective action across Vietnam’s central coast.
Hoang Thi Thu Huong, the Union’s chairwoman, addressed the crowd with warmth. “Every gesture, no matter how small, builds a stronger community,” she said, highlighting that the campaigns have sparked nearly 105,000 actions, from aiding families in need to greening neighbourhoods. The Da Nang Women’s Union, part of the national Vietnam Women’s Union, has long championed women’s contributions to social welfare, blending traditional values with modern calls for gender equality. 
Among the honourees, Nguyen Thi Lan, a teacher, stood out for her free after-school classes for underprivileged children. “Their joy is my reward,” she told the audience, her smile infectious. Others included a nurse who organised health screenings and a shop owner who donated school supplies. These women, drawn from all walks of life, reflect Da Nang’s vibrant diversity and the Union’s role in amplifying grassroots efforts. Such initiatives resonate deeply in Vietnam, where community-driven projects often bridge gaps in public services, though urban-rural disparities can limit their reach, as noted on X (@DaNangYouth, 17 May 2025).
The ceremony also celebrated a video contest that brought the campaigns to life online. Over four months, 68 entries were submitted, with 60 shortlisted for voting on the Union’s social media page. The clips, viewed thousands of times, showcased volunteers delivering meals to the elderly and tidying coastal paths. The contest not only spread the campaigns’ message but also drew in younger residents, eager to engage through likes and shares. “It’s a new way to tell our story,” Huong said, nodding to the Union’s embrace of digital platforms.
The night ended with applause and shared stories, a testament to how the Women’s Union is knitting Da Nang closer together, one kind act at a time.
