The delegation was led by Ms. Dương Thị Ngọc Linh, Member of the Presidium of the Vietnam Women’s Union and Director of the Center for Women and Development. In coordination with the Thanh Hóa Provincial Women’s Union and the People’s Committees of Thiệu Hóa and Quảng Xương districts, the delegation visited and provided support to the families of three women who had been trafficked to China.

This initiative was funded by the project "Provision of a reintegration support package for migrants in vulnerable situations and victims of trafficking" supported by the UK Home Office through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Vietnam. The project's objective is to provide support packages, equipment, and livelihood models to help vulnerable migrants and returned trafficking victims stabilize their lives and establish sustainable livelihoods. Identifying the right beneficiaries and addressing their needs and capabilities remains a complex challenge that requires close collaboration among local authorities, women’s organizations at all levels, and donors.

The three women selected for support in this round have different life stories, yet all have endured hardships in foreign lands and now face numerous struggles as they rebuild their lives in Vietnam.

A livelihood gift for a single woman living in her sister’s home

The delegation provides gifts and livelihood assistance to Ms. Vũ Thị H. in Thiệu Hóa

Ms. Vũ Thị H., currently living in Thiệu Hóa District, Thanh Hóa Province, is over 60 years old. She spent nearly 28 years in China working as a tea picker. The years of hardship in a foreign land left her emotionally unstable, causing her to experience sudden bouts of laughter and tears. She was repatriated to Vietnam without documentation after her cousin reported her case to the police. Upon her return, the district Women's Union assisted her in reapplying for a national ID card. Ms. H.'s daughter is married and lives far away, and they have lost contact. As a result, she now resides with her younger sister, as her own house, after decades of absence, has deteriorated beyond livable conditions.

Her case was forwarded by the provincial Women's Union to the Women's Development Support Center for assistance planning. After discussions, it was learned that Ms. H. and her family wished to receive medical support for mental health treatment and assistance in raising pigs for sustainable livelihood. The Center reached out to sponsors and finalized support packages accordingly. During a field visit, the delegation checked in on Ms. H.’s situation and provided household essentials, daily necessities, a medical examination and treatment package, and four breeding pigs, with a total value of nearly 24 million VND.

Ms. Vũ Thị H. was deeply moved upon receiving gifts and care from organizations

Accompanying the working delegation, the leadership of Thiệu Hóa District gained further insight into Ms. H.'s situation and directed local authorities to expedite legal procedures, enabling her family to access housing support under Directive No. 22-CT/TU issued by the Provincial Party Standing Committee. With the joint efforts of government agencies and the Women's Union, it is hoped that Ms. H.’s health and life will soon stabilize in a home of her own.

Buffalo and chickens donated to a Human trafficking survivor returning after 30 years

At the age of 16, Ms. Lê Thị P. went to China with her mother and aunt. She was sold three times, twice as a bride. Her life was marked by hardship—she endured an abusive husband who frequently subjected her to violence. At one point, she managed to escape but was recaptured and detained for nearly two years. Upon being repatriated to Vietnam, Ms. P. sought temporary shelter and psychological support at the Peace House Shelter. However, upon returning to her hometown in Thiệu Hóa District, Thanh Hóa Province, she faced significant challenges—lacking identification documents, employment, and financial stability. Ms. P. and her family expressed their wish to receive essential household items, daily necessities, and, most importantly, livestock to help establish a sustainable livelihood.

Gifts presented to Ms. Lê Thị P. to help her establish a sustainable livelihood and stabilize her life

With the intervention of various agencies, particularly the district Women’s Union, a project was approved to provide Ms. P. with a breeding buffalo and a flock of chickens. The total value of the support package amounted to 23 million VND, enabling her to establish long-term economic stability and rebuild her life.

Receiving this timely support, both Ms. Vũ Thị H. and Ms. Lê Thị P. expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation toward the Women's Development Support Center, the Women’s Union at all levels, and local authorities for their care and assistance in improving the lives of women in difficult circumstances. They specifically acknowledged the vital support provided to vulnerable migrant women and human trafficking survivors returning to their communities. The women also voiced their hope for continued support and pledged to make every effort to maintain and develop sustainable livelihood models to secure a stable income and improve their lives.

During the same field visit, the delegation also visited and provided gifts to Ms. Lê Thị H., who is currently living in Quảng Xương District, to assess her situation and develop a sustainable reintegration support plan.

These activities demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the Vietnam Women’s Union, particularly the CWD, in fulfilling its responsibilities in the fight against human trafficking. Under Article 19 of the 2024 Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control, the Women’s Union, as a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, is mandated to "participate in vocational training, job creation, and other support activities to help victims reintegrate into society."