After nearly 15 years of establishment, the Women's Development Support Fund under the Da Nang Women's Union has supported tens of thousands of poor, near-poor, and disadvantaged women by providing access to credit and loans. These efforts have enabled them to develop their economy, start businesses, and improve their quality of life.

As a poor household in Group 9, An Hai Dong Ward, Son Tra District, Tao Thi My Hanh received a loan of VND 20 million from the Women's Development Support Fund in 2020 through the Women's Union of the ward. She started a small food business and, by 2024, successfully escaped poverty, gradually stabilizing her life and supporting her two children’s education. Hanh is one of 10 women from the ward-level Women's Union who have risen out of poverty thanks to the Fund’s loans in recent years.

According to Ms Dinh Thi Son Ca, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union of An Hai Dong Ward, the Union has created opportunities for many poor and near-poor women, as well as those facing unexpected hardships, to access capital for business ventures. These initiatives have supported trading, created jobs, increased incomes, and stabilized lives. Since 2022, the Ward Women’s Union and group leaders have facilitated loans for 102 households, amounting to over VND 3 billion. Thanks to the Fund’s loans, 70 women have secured stable jobs, and 10 have escaped poverty.

To select and assess members who genuinely need loans, credit group leaders monitor the circumstances of applicants. Pham Thi Yen, a group leader of the Savings and Credit Group in Xuan Ha Ward, Thanh Khe District, explained that her area has many manual labourers with difficult living conditions. To manage loan funds effectively and ensure timely repayment, group leaders must thoroughly understand and communicate loan policies to members, as well as monitor individual households and oversee the appropriate use of borrowed funds. For families facing difficulties such as illness or financial strain, group leaders flexibly divide loans into smaller amounts to reduce pressure on borrowers. This approach has significantly improved the lives of many members' families.

Ms Nguyen Thi Huyen, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang Women's Union, shared that the municipal Women's Development Support Fund has so far provided loans to 16,612 women from poor, near-poor, and low-income households, as well as those facing unexpected risks and owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises. The Fund has disbursed over VND 338.2 billion in revolving loans, with individual loan amounts ranging from VND 20 to 40 million.

Currently, the total capital managed by the Union exceeds VND 45 billion, with a repayment rate of 100%. These loan activities have helped members secure stable incomes and improve their lives. The timely disbursement of funds has enabled members to invest in production, increase economic income, and gradually achieve sustainable poverty alleviation.

Reporting by NHAT HA - Translating by TRUC VY - ĐOÀN HOA