Not only are the women of Da Nang “excellent at both work and home duties,” but they have also left a significant mark on environmental protection efforts, from waste collection to promoting green living movements. Initiatives for cleaning and beautifying the environment, launched by various women’s associations, are gaining momentum, engaging the entire community and contributing to the development of Da Nang as an environmentally friendly city.

Officials and members of the Lien Chieu Women's Union launched a flower planting campaign along railway areas. Photo: X.D

Recently, the women of Residential Area 21, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, have not only embraced waste collection and sorting at the source but have also been actively joining the “Green - Clean - Beautiful Sunday” movement and the “Anti-Plastic Waste” campaign.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dung, Deputy Head of Residential Area 21, shared that thanks to the encouragement of the city’s authorities, local communities, and women’s unions, residents have become increasingly aware of environmental protection, ensuring the cleanliness of their front yards, alleys, and residential lanes. Domestic waste is sorted and collected by residents at home and then disposed of according to the designated times.

Significantly, waste sorting is no longer solely a women’s responsibility; men, children, and the elderly have all embraced this task. Recyclable waste and plastic items are gathered by the residents, generating about VND 1 million per month, which is then used to fund humanitarian projects and support underprivileged students in the area.

A highlight of the year has been the women’s initiative to launch the “Railway- Flower Road” model in areas with railway tracks. The Women’s Union of Lien Chieu District has led the way in this effort, planting flowers along railway lines passing through five wards and 17 residential areas.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union in Lien Chieu District, noted that the unit selected bougainvillaea, cassia, and purple flowers for planting along the railway tracks. These plants, well-suited to the climate and soil conditions, will enhance the scenic beauty along the tracks and create a pleasant impression for passengers travelling through the area, while also improving the environment and promoting ecological balance.

“Since the introduction of this initiative, residents and union members have shown increased environmental awareness and actively participated in the movement. Furthermore, this effort also creates a safe buffer zone, ensuring environmental safety for residents near the railway tracks,” Ms Thanh said.

To further environmental protection efforts, since May this year, the city’s Women’s Union has partnered with local authorities to organise “Environmental Festivals,” featuring creative activities such as recycling product displays, exchanging waste for gifts, collecting used oil bottles, and trading waste for green plants. These festivals have collected over 1,000kg of waste and distributed 220 waste collection devices, 85 shopping baskets, and 450 eco-friendly bags, along with thousands of household gifts to members.

In late August, the municipal-level Women’s Union inaugurated and handed over the “Flower Road - Women’s Garden” project in Hoa Vang District, planting hundreds of bougainvillaea along the inter-village road in Hoa Phong Commune and banana trees in Hoa Nhon Commune. This project encourages residents to beautify their surroundings, reduce littering, and utilise banana leaves for local cuisine and livestock feed.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a union member from Hoa Phong Commune, expressed, “Planting flowers not only beautifies the roads but also keeps the neighbourhood clean. Local women and residents fully support this project, and we hope it will expand, contributing to the beautification of our homeland.”

According to Ms Nguyen Thi Huyen, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal Women’s Union, the municipal Women’s Union and its chapters at all levels consistently prioritise and effectively carry out environmental protection initiatives. Many projects and environmental models initiated by women have significantly raised public awareness, such as “Waste Sorting at Household Level”, “Green Living,” and “Planting Flowers and Trees for a Sustainable Environmentally Friendly City”. Particularly, the newly launched “Railway- Flower Road” model is expected to make a notable contribution towards the goal of transforming Da Nang into an environmentally friendly city.

In the coming months, the Women’s Union plans to expand the banana plantation model in Lien Chieu, Ngu Hanh Son, and Hoa Vang districts, with the aim of planting 1,200 banana trees.

Additionally, 100% of local union branches are set to implement the “Self-Managed Roads, Flowering Streets” model, mobilising regular monthly clean-ups in their areas. These efforts will spread a powerful message about protecting the environment and public health, contributing to the city’s socio-economic stability and growth.

Reporting by THIEN DUYEN - Translating by TRUC VY