Family Is the Foundation of Society: The Vital Role of Women in Keeping the Home Warm and Happy
Family is the foundation of society, and within it, the role of women in “keeping the flame” of the household is extremely important. With a deep awareness of this, women increasingly assert their position in guiding their families toward warmth and happiness.
Building a happy family is a goal pursued by every Vietnamese household. There is a saying: “Men build the house, women build the home.” This saying still holds true in today’s 4.0 era. Although gender equality is progressing and relationships are expanding, giving women more opportunities to contribute economically, the role of a mother or wife within the family should not be overlooked. In reality, many women prove themselves capable and successful in society, rivaling men. Yet, when they step out of their professional roles, these wives and mothers still fulfill their domestic responsibilities: caring for and educating children, managing the household, balancing relations with both sides of the family, and even bringing honor to their husbands through their competence.
Ms. Lam Thi Ha, Head of the Family – Health – Happiness Club in Vinh Tien Hamlet (Vinh Thinh Commune, Hoa Binh District), is one admirable example of a “woman excelling in two roles.” Every local movement reflects her presence. She ensures that directives from higher authorities are implemented down to every household in the hamlet. With skill and a positive spirit, she transforms information into accessible forms for residents. Despite dedicating much time to public work, she also manages her household duties. Ms. Ha shares: “I am fortunate to have a husband who loves and understands my work. When work is heavy, he shares the burden. When work is light, I take care of the house, children, and the responsibilities of a woman in the family. I am aware that no matter how successful a woman is outside, she must fulfill her duties as a wife and mother at home. That is the core of a happy family.” This view is shared by many women today. It is not an exaggeration to say that women are the “best feng shui” in a home; where there is a woman, there is love.
Ms. Ngo Thi Thu Trinh (Quoc Ky Hamlet, Hung Thanh Commune, Vinh Loi District) is another example of a woman wholeheartedly devoted to her family. She shares: “The secret to keeping a happy home is not difficult. Alongside ensuring the family’s economic stability, you must educate your children to value family happiness. Above all, family members must treat each other equally and harmoniously: when one speaks, the other listens; when one is angry, the other is patient. A saying I particularly value is: ‘When the husband is hot-tempered, the wife speaks less; when the rice boils, turn down the fire, so life doesn’t get bitter.’ It is truly applicable in marital relationships.”
Being a mother to an only son, Ms. Trinh treats her daughter-in-law as her own daughter. She believes: “Love your daughter-in-law with sincerity; if she errs, correct her, then let it go, without differentiating between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. My husband and I also set an example for our children and grandchildren. I realized that parents are the best role models for raising children.” Through her balanced and thoughtful approach to guiding the family, Ms. Trinh has become a cornerstone in maintaining the happiness of her three-generation household.
It can be said that in building family happiness, women play an essential role: understanding, empathizing, encouraging, reminding everyone, and continuously improving themselves. This is also the great responsibility women carry to create society’s healthy “cells,” both physically and spiritually.
