In recent years, tourism in Bac Yen has developed strongly, and women members in the district have boldly and proactively participated in tourism and service business models. Through many practical and creative activities, such as establishing cultural teams and clubs, preserving and teaching traditional languages, scripts, dances, and crafts, many ethnic minority women in the mountainous district of Bac Yen have been positive factors in both preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identity and exploiting traditional cultural elements to develop tourism products and attract visitors.
Women members from Pot village, Muong Khoa commune, participate in activities at the Thai cultural club in 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 this era of strong cultural integration among ethnic groups, if we don't preserve and pass on these traditions, they will soon disappear. Therefore, for many years, I have actively encouraged members to participate in the village's performing arts group, practicing and teaching ancient Thai dances and songs together. I have also encouraged women in the village to establish a Thai folk singing club with 15 members, regularly collecting, practicing, and performing to meet the cultural needs of the people and pass on the tradition to the younger generation."
In 2019, the Ta Xua commune's Mong ethnic costume embroidery and sewing cooperative was established, contributing to job creation and the preservation of the ethnic group's traditional culture. Members of the cooperative receive basic training in household financial management; business startup knowledge; guidance on production and business planning; and opportunities to learn from the experiences of other localities in creating ethnic products linked to tourism development.
With skillful hands rhythmically guiding the embroidery needles, Ms. Song Thi Du, head of the Mong ethnic costume embroidery and sewing cooperative in Ta Xua commune, said: "The group has 20 members who regularly exchange and share experiences to create impressive brocade products and souvenirs for tourists. Each bag costs 50-100 thousand dong, and a Mong dress costs from 1-4 million dong... providing a stable income for the members. In addition, the members actively teach their children and grandchildren the traditional embroidery craft."
Recognizing the role of women in preserving and developing national culture, the Women's Union of Bac Yen district has propagated and mobilized its members to actively participate in cultural activities, festivals, folk games, and traditional costumes, aiming to affirm the unique identity of each ethnic group. Ms. Nguyen Thi Dung, President of the Women's Union of Bac Yen district, said: Currently, Bac Yen district has 136 clubs and amateur performing arts groups in villages and sub-districts, with women members as the core, actively participating in performances, competitions, and folk art festivals, creating a cultural space to preserve and pass on to the younger generation; promoting the beauty and traditional cultural values of the ethnic groups.
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.
Text and photos: Huy Thanh