WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Women of Yen Bai on the Journey to Master Digital Technology

In May 2025, in Yen Bai, over the course of dynamic three days, around eighty women from eight districts gathered—not for a typical women's association meeting or community event, but at an information technology training course filled with eager learning and vibrant energy.

Here, women from across Yen Bai province embarked on a new journey: becoming familiar with cybersecurity, digital tools, and even artificial intelligence (AI)— fields once considered exclusive to the young or tech experts.

Digital Technology — From a Distant Concept to a Trusted Companion

Held over three dynamic days, the training aimed to enhance IT application skills for local women officials and members—who are and will be key drivers in the community’s digital transformation.

From the first session, participants were equipped with practical knowledge about cybersecurity and preventing high-tech crimes—a hot but still unfamiliar topic to many. Real-life stories about social media scams, disguised malicious software, and dangerous links helped raise awareness and taught them how to protect themselves and their families in the digital world.

The second day’s session buzzed with even more excitement as participants directly practiced useful digital tools for their association work and daily lives: from creating survey forms via Google Forms, managing member data with Google Sheets, generating QR codes for easy information sharing, to designing interactive games on Kahoot to enrich association meetings—every activity was fresh, engaging, and surprisingly enjoyable.

Ms. Doan Thi Men, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union in To Mau commune, Luc Yen district, shared: “I found the course content both engaging and refreshing. I hope to have more opportunities to join similar valuable trainings to deepen my understanding of information technology and better support the work and initiatives of our grassroots women’s union.”

Artificial Intelligence — The Marvel of the Modern World

A special highlight of the course was the AI experience. Many women were introduced for the first time to interacting with chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, receiving support in writing articles, creating presentation slides, and even producing videos from images.

The classroom was filled with laughter and amazement as women, once accustomed to traditional work, confidently mastered new technologies, simplifying tasks to create content for their meetings and local women’s union activities.

“Learning to apply AI doesn’t end with a single course. What we’ve gained today is just the starting point—opening the door to continued exploration through the internet and online platforms. I remain committed to supporting and accompanying learners on their ongoing and diverse learning journeys” shared by Mr. Nguyen Minh Cuong, AI trainer from Alobase company.

Women — The Core of Community Digital Transformation

Though brief, the three-day journey sparked positive changes in the digital awareness and skills of the participants. They learned not just to know, but to do — actively applying technology in union work, community support, and family life, especially in remote areas where digital access is limited.

“Women not only need to master technology but also can become sources of inspiration and spread digital knowledge throughout the community,” shared Tran Thu Ha, FNF Vietnam.

While the course has come to an end, the journey of Yen Bai women in mastering technology is just beginning. The knowledge, skills, and experiences they've gained will continue to spread far and wide—reaching every village, every women’s group, and every home.

There, phones and laptops are no longer just simple devices but useful tools for planning union activities, writing reports, and sharing information with the community. AI-powered presentations help women speak more confidently and boost their professionalism and influence in the digital age.

When Women Master Technology — The Whole Community Advances

The training concluded with bright eyes and confident smiles. Technology is no longer distant — it has become a vital part of women’s growth, empowerment, and affirmation of their place in modern society.

With every step women take in the digital era, the entire community moves forward.