In recent years, Bac Yen tourism has developed strongly, women's union members in the district have boldly and proactively participated in tourism and service business models. Through many practical and creative activities, such as establishing art teams and clubs, preserving and teaching languages, writing, dances, traditional crafts... many ethnic minority women in the mountainous district of Bac Yen have been active factors in both preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identity, and exploiting traditional cultural elements to develop into tourism products, attracting tourists.
Women's Union members of Pot village, Muong Khoa commune participate in activities at the Thai Cultural Club of Muong Khoa commune.
When speaking of women who have made significant contributions to preserving and conserving traditional folk culture, one cannot fail to mention Ms. Quang Thi Uong, the head of the Women’s Union of Chen Village, Muong Khoa Commune. She has devoted much of her heart and soul to preserving and conserving traditional Thái dances. Not only has she ignited a passion for folk songs and a love for traditional folk culture, but she has also helped younger generations understand their role in preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural identity.
Ms. Uong shared: In the current period of strong cultural integration between ethnic groups, if we do not preserve and teach, traditional values will soon disappear. Therefore, for many years, I have actively encouraged members to join the village's art troupe, together practicing and teaching ancient Thai dances and melodies. I have encouraged women in the village to establish a Thai Folk Song Club, with 15 members, regularly collecting, organizing practice, and performing, meeting the people's need for cultural enjoyment and teaching the younger generation.
In 2019, the Mong ethnic costume embroidery association in Ta Xua commune was established, contributing to job creation and preserving the traditional culture of the ethnic group. Joining the association, members are trained in basic knowledge of household financial management; knowledge of business start-up; guidance on production and business planning and are able to learn from experience in making ethnic products associated with tourism development in some localities.
With skillful hands, while rhythmically moving the needles, Ms. Song Thi Du, Head of the Mong ethnic costume embroidery group in Ta Xua commune, said: The group has 20 members, regularly exchanging and sharing experiences to create impressive brocade products and souvenirs for tourists. Each bag costs 50-100 thousand VND, a Mong dress costs from 1-4 million VND... bringing a stable source of income for the members. Along with that, the members also actively teach their children and grandchildren the traditional embroidery craft.
Recognizing the role of women in preserving and developing ethnic culture, the District Women's Union has promoted and mobilized members to actively participate in cultural activities, festivals, folk games, and traditional costumes, in order to affirm the unique identity of each ethnic group. Ms. Nguyen Thi Dung, President of the Bac Yen District Women's Union, said: Currently, Bac Yen district has 136 clubs and mass art teams of villages and sub-regions, the core of which are women members, actively participating in performance programs, competitions, performances, and mass art festivals, creating a cultural space to preserve and teach the younger generation; promoting the beauty and traditional cultural values of the nation.
Through concrete actions, the Women's Union members of Bac Yen district have played an active role in preserving and promoting traditional culture, contributing to the promotion and introduction of the unique cultural features of the locality to tourists.
Article and photos: Huy Thanh