TÂY NINH — More than 100 women from three communes in the southern province of Tây Ninh have recently gained access to interest-free loans under the “Women’s Empowerment” programme, jointly implemented by BAT Vietnam and the provincial Women’s Union for the 2025-26 period.

This initiative continues BAT Vietnam’s long-standing efforts to drive women’s economic empowerment in the Southwest border area, where women still face barriers in employment, income generation, and access to formal financial services.

In 2025, the company allocates a total of VNĐ1 billion (US$37,000) in interest-free micro-loans to 100 women from poor or near-poor households in the three communes. Each woman participating in the programme is eligible for a loan of VNĐ10 million ($370) over a 12-month period to invest in small trading, livestock raising, or livelihood tools.

A key element that ensures the programme’s sustainability is its revolving interest-free loan mechanism, with a 12-month repayment cycle. The fund is expected to be reused to support other households in the future once previous loans are repaid.

In 2024, the “Women’s Empowerment” programme supported 56 poor and near-poor women in border communes in old Long An province. 

In addition to financial support, the company has worked with the Women’s Union and agricultural extension officers to organise technical training sessions for women. 

Since 2022, 30 training classes have been held with 539 participants, providing practical knowledge in crop cultivation, livestock raising, and small-business management. The sessions also integrate awareness activities on anti-smuggling to strengthen legal understanding among women.

Behind those small figures lies significant transformation, from a seed of trust, women have grown stronger, more confident, and become steady pillars for their families.

In border provinces like Tây Ninh, women from poor and near-poor households still make up a large proportion of disadvantaged families, while opportunities for preferential credit or vocational training remain limited. 

Therefore, bringing the “Women’s Empowerment” programme to these communes is not only about financial support, it is a practical effort to help women become more self-reliant, confident, and resilient in life.

To ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the fund, commune-level Women’s Unions coordinate with partners to conduct field inspections, monitor loan use, and follow up on household progress.

Six months after disbursement, local chapters submit a mid-term report; after twelve months, a full completion report is prepared. This process has been effectively implemented for nearly four years since 2022. — VNS