The entrepreneurial movement among women in Da Nang is making significant strides, with many female-led businesses and cooperatives emerging and securing their position in the market. Notably, several women are pioneering green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly business models that are highly appreciated by customers and consumers.

The "Enhancing the Value of Vietnamese Herring" project, developed by Ms. Vo Thi Hanh Dung residing in Lien Chieu District, won the first prize in the municipal-level women's entrepreneurship competition in 2024. Photo: X.D

After more than a year since its establishment, the Hoa Bac Ecological Agriculture and Community Tourism Cooperative based in Hoa Vang District, led by Ms. Do Thi Huyen Tram, has increasingly established its name and attracted a large number of tourists for visits and experiences.

This startup model was specially connected by the municipal Women's Union to participate in the 2023 national women's entrepreneurship competition, where it won a consolation prize.

Ms. Tram shared that the cooperative was founded with four main goals, including protecting natural forests, promoting clean agriculture, preserving the culture of the Co Tu ethnic group, and creating livelihoods for local people.

In 2023, the cooperative welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors who came to experience culture, agriculture, and explore the scenic beauty. Alongside tourism activities, the cooperative focuses on producing and marketing clean agricultural products, creating model organic gardens without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, attracting visitors for sightseeing and learning, and increasing farmers' income.

"Through welcoming guests, the locals have become more aware of maintaining general hygiene and moving towards clean agricultural production. As a result, they have developed the 'Water Retaining Hill' model planting long-term trees to preserve the forest, fruit trees, and vegetables while raising fish, aiming for sustainable forest development in Hoa Bac," Ms. Tram shared.

As the winning idea in the city's 2024 women's entrepreneurship competition, the "Enhancing the Value of Vietnamese Herring" project by 43Foods Green Food Cooperative, led by Ms. Vo Thi Hanh Dung, Lien Chieu District, was praised by the organisers as a sustainable business model.

The project has introduced new products to the city's market for the first time, including herring fish sauce, herring in oil, herring floss, seasoning, and herring salad. The products are packaged in paper bags and other recyclable materials. Notably, the project uses a closed-loop drying system powered by solar energy instead of traditional wood-fired methods.

Additionally, the project employs wastewater recycling technology before discharging it into the environment and uses microbial cultivation technology to replace traditional salt fermentation, allowing the fish to decompose quickly without producing odours that could affect the community.

Ms. Dung stated that the project's goal is to enhance the value of herring, helping fishermen to stay committed to the sea and fish without worrying about market demand, while creating jobs for local women.

"By creating high-quality herring products, the project not only provides safe and nutritious options for consumers but also promotes green and healthy living trends" Ms. Dung said.

In the final round of this year's municipal-level women's entrepreneurship competition, a green and sustainable startup project by Ms. Ho Thi Nhuc, Cam Le District titled "Cocimo Bamboo Tube Sausage" was also featured.

Ms. Nhuc shared that from the very beginning, the project aimed at a green and clean economy, using bamboo tubes and other green materials in sausage production in order to protect the environment and combat climate change.

"The success of 'Cocimo Bamboo Tube Sausage' will increase the demand for bamboo tubes, leading to increased supply that helps reforest barren hills and prevent landslides in high mountainous areas. Additionally, it provides stable jobs and income for local women, inspiring them to start green, environmentally friendly businesses," she said.

"We want to create a product that leverages the unique features and strengths of our homeland, such as bamboo, beef, and shrimp. Particularly with bamboo, the product not only explores the medicinal properties of bamboo tubes in food but also highlights the cultural values of our nation, spreading Vietnamese cultural identity to international friends. At the same time, we want to inspire a green production and consumption mindset that protects the environment among today's women," Ms. Nhuc expressed.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen, Vice President of the municipal Women's Union, in recent years, climate change and environmental degradation have become major challenges for humanity. Building a green and sustainable economy is not only a trend but also a smart approach to ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

In reality, more and more women are participating in business and entrepreneurship activities. Female-led businesses can lead the way in adopting sustainable practices, from using environmentally friendly materials to effectively managing waste. Promoting the value of female business leaders and fostering a community of determined female entrepreneurs to create meaningful green products and services is crucial in today's context.

"The municipal Women's Union will continue to accompany and support women entrepreneurs, especially in developing the green economy. This will contribute to enhancing women's economic empowerment, creating jobs for members, and promoting innovation towards a green and sustainable future," Ms. Huyen emphasised.

Reporting by THIEN DUYEN - Translating by TRUC VY