The success of businesswomen takes into account the happiness of their families and the success of their children.

They are successful leaders and businesswomen. They have to exert great efforts to gain and keep a foothold in the market in order to assert themselves by contributing to the society and fulfilling their duties as both a mother and wife as well. Five such women share their thoughts with us on the International Women’s Day (March 8).

Tran Thi Thuy – vice president of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and president of the Vietnam Businesswomen Council:

I joined the Resistance when I was 17 years old. As other women did, I dreamed of simple things that the war would end someday and then I would have a warm and happy family with a good husband who would share both sadness and happiness with me and good, intelligent and affectionate children.

Luckily, my husband is my comrade-in-arms. I have a family as I had expected. After the war, to heal wounds and build a new life in the homeland with a number of war injuries, I had to work while studying.

Our characters grew from the war. We had to suffer a lot of losses. We learned to rely on ourselves I think that each person should learn both from books, school and from work as well as life experiences. Self-training is very important for every one.

As a solider and leader in the renewal process, I thoroughly understand that the country need in businesspeople who are pioneers on two fronts: national liberation and national construction. On every front, they receive enthusiastic support from the whole nation. Currently, businesswomen account for 30 percent of the staff of the total number of 250,000 businesses nationwide, excluding household economic units. Each economic growth figure is attributed to businesswomen. There are more and more businesswomen and the increasing growth of the Vietnam Businesswomen Council demonstrates this.

Nguyen Thu Trang – managing director of the Phu My Port in Vung Tau City.

The role of women is honoured, especially businesswomen, because their achievements are recognised by society. When doing business, difficulties are unavoidable. Leaders and society have acknowledged women’s industriousness, endurance, and flexibility in both work and daily life.

For me, my family is a bulwark support whenever I face difficulties. As a leader I have to show my capacity and bravely to face challenges. Like a ship is in a storm, if a captain is not firm, all the people on ship will be affected.Do Thi Kim Lien, General Director of AAA Insurance Company and the Republic of South African Honourary Consul to HCM City:

In general, businesswomen often face many difficulties because of gender preconceptions. Also, to keep their families happy, women need individual time away from work to fulfil their duties as wives and mothers. However, they have many advantages such as high withstanding, patience and skillfulness. I highly appreciate the role of women in business market now because they have great internal force.

I think either men or women must do business with a great deal of indulgence.

In a leading position, I uphold my duties and responsibilities and supervise my work of those under me. Indeed, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by pressures. Nevertheless, the faces radiant with smiles of my AAA staff, my children and people’s belief in me help me overcome everything, like a machine being constantly supplied with energy.

Do Thi Duc Ly, Chairwoman of Thai Nguyen Businesswomen Council and Deputy General Director of Tan Cuong Hoang Binh Joint Stock Company:

Business, especially women, can suffer if their staff don’t receive sympathy from their families. I myself always wish that I had 35-36 hours a day so I could spend more time taking care of my family and children.

I remember one letter written by my daughter when she was 17 years old, before studying abroad. The letter made me burst into tears. She didn’t have big wish such as money or wealth. She only desired to enjoy a meal with all family members being present with my parents.        

It is not easy at all as both my husband and I are busy managing different companies and caring less about our children. However, luckily, our children still study well and know how to share with us.

Nguyen Ngoc Thuy, Head of Board of Directors and CEO of Bac Lieu Lottery Company:

I’m proud of Vietnamese women in general and businesswomen in particular. I feel that I should exert myself more to earn the confidence of my superiors and staff.

Doing business certainly always has both advantages and disadvantages, especially fierce competitiveness. Therefore, my company and I must constantly try our best. To me, my husband and children are a firm bulwark for my success.