Gia Lai Province is currently home to 44 ethnic groups, of which ethnic minorities account for more than 46%. In recent years, maintaining customs and practices imbued with the cultural identity of the Central Highlands has received the attention of authorities at all levels and been promoted by the indigenous people.
To change perceptions and contribute to promoting gender equality and preserving traditional cultural beauty, the first women's gong club of Gia Lai Province was established with 60 members. So far, the province has developed 33 women’s gong models, clubs, and groups with a total of more than 1,610 members.
Dinh Thi Hop, Head of the Women's Gong Club of Leng Village, To Tung Commune, Khoang District, said that for the purpose of preserving and teaching gongs among all generations in the village, the women of Leng Village gather together to teach how to play gongs, practice flexible traditional dances, and prepare costumes for performances at the village’s festivals.
10 years since the club’s establishment, the image of women is no longer new in ethnic minority villages in Gia Lai. The resonance of cultural identity with the beauty of Gia Lai women has created a uniqueness for gong performances. The women’s gong clubs have not only brought a vibrant atmosphere to local festivals but also created new vitality as an effective solution in preserving and promoting the heritage of gong culture in the Central Highlands in general and Gia Lai in particular.
Chairwoman of Gia Lai Provincial Women's Union Ro Cham H'Hong said: “In the coming time, we will continue to strengthen the mobilisation of ethnic minority people in general and ethnic minority women in particular to preserve the traditional cultural identity of their ethnic groups, especially gong culture, as well as organise many activities and playgrounds for the women’s gong clubs to learn, exchange and share experiences.”
Tuyen Quang Province is home to 22 ethnic groups with their own traditional culture and customs, creating unique regional identities. The whole province has more than 13,600 Dao ethnic women.
In recent times, implementing the Party's policies and resolutions on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities in general and the Dao ethnic group in particular, the preservation and promotion of national cultural identities has always received great attention and direction by the Party Committee and authorities and the active participation of agencies at all levels throughout the province.
Phai Da Village, Chieu Yen Commune, Yen Son District, has more than 110 Dao ethnic minority households. To preserve local cultural identity, the village has established a club on preserving Dao ethnic cultural identity. The club has helped Dao women raise awareness, change their thinking and actions, be more confident in communications, and actively and proactively participate in local activities.
Ban Thi Ha, Head of the Club to Preserve Dao Ethnic Cultural Identity in Phai Da Village, said: “The club was established in 2022, and so far, it has attracted more than 47 members. All members encourage women to preserve the cultural beauty of their ethnic group by preparing costumes and participating in practising traditional dances, songs, and musical instruments.
According to the assessment of women's unions at all levels, the construction and maintenance of models and activities that promote good cultural values of ethnic minorities have helped the associations to carry out many activities to support women, especially ethnic minority women, more practically and reasonably, meeting the demand and aspiration of women and ethnic groups.
In many localities, the cultural and artistic models have made important contributions to helping ethnic minority women improve their cultural and spiritual lives and increase opportunities for them to participate in festivals, religious activities, folk songs and folk dance clubs, significantly contributing to gradually eliminating bad customs and gender inequality. Women have the opportunity to show off their talents, beauty, abilities, strengths and learn and exchange experiences with each other.
"Based on the actual situation of the locality, women's unions at all levels need to continue to research and improve the quality of model groups and activities in implementing their operations. It is crucial to focus on investing in new models related to experiencing and learning about specific cultures, preserving and promoting the intangible culture of ethnic minorities, strengthening mobilisation and socialisation of resources in promoting the activities ensuring gender equality, in association with preserving and promoting traditional cultural values”, Vice President of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Thu Hien said.
