March is a time to celebrate women, but it is also a reminder of the challenges many still face. Across Vietnam and Cambodia, domestic violence remains a deeply rooted issue, affecting nearly 30% of households in vulnerable communities. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, domestic violence perpetuates cycles of poverty, making it harder for women and children to break free and build stable futures.
Mekong Plus has been actively working to change this reality. Through education, financial support, and strong partnerships with local Women’s Unions, we provide women with the resources they need to regain independence, find stability, and rebuild their lives.
Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence extends beyond physical harm. It creates long-lasting psychological scars and prevents women from achieving financial independence. Many women in Vietnam and Cambodia remain trapped in abusive relationships due to economic dependency. When a woman has no financial means of her own, leaving an abusive partner can feel impossible. Children in these households also suffer, growing up in environments that normalize violence and limit their opportunities for the future. By addressing domestic violence, Mekong Plus is not only supporting women but also creating lasting change for families and communities as a whole.
Providing Micro Loans to Build Independence
One of the key ways Mekong Plus helps women escape cycles of abuse and poverty is by providing access to micro loans. Financial stability is a crucial factor in empowering women to take control of their lives. Mekong Plus has provided income-generating micro loans to thousands of women in the most challenging circumstances, allowing them to start small businesses or invest in agriculture. By enabling women to earn their own income, these micro loans provide a pathway to self-sufficiency, helping them gain the confidence and financial security needed to make independent decisions.
Women who receive these microcredits also undergo training on how to manage their businesses effectively. With this support, many have been able to open small shops, raise livestock, or cultivate crops. The income they generate allows them to provide for their children and reduces their vulnerability to abuse. Economic empowerment is one of the strongest tools in breaking the cycle of violence, and Mekong Plus is committed to expanding this initiative to reach more women in need.
Raising Awareness, Legal Support, and Education for Change
Mekong Plus actively works to shift mindsets around gender equality and domestic violence prevention through education, advocacy, and legal support. Over the past year, we have conducted 47 community workshops across 8 communes, reaching 869 participants with essential information on women’s rights, domestic violence laws, and the support services available to victims.
Recognizing the importance of educating about the law, Mekong Plus collaborates with legal experts to provide direct support to women. Through Legal Awareness Days held in Long Mỹ and Phụng Hiệp districts in the Mekong delta, we have connected over 590 attendees with lawyers, justice department representatives, and local authorities. These events serve as a crucial platform for women to seek confidential legal advice, ensuring they understand their rights and are not left to navigate the legal system alone.
Women attend to a domestic violence awareness workshop in rural Vietnam
To deepen our impact, Mekong Plus has secured key partnerships and funding from organizations committed to advancing gender equality:
- A U.S. Consulate grant (2017-2019) enabled 3,888 participants to join training programs on family communication and domestic violence prevention. The project also provided 165 scholarships to disadvantaged female students and supported 990 participants through Legal Aid sessions covering gender rights and early marriage prevention.
- With support from NEXT (foundation of a Swiss Biotech Company), Mekong Plus funded eight legal consultation sessions on women’s rights in Ninh Thuận in 2024, benefiting 495 participants. Additionally, since 2018, NEXT has continuously funded sexual and gender education programs in secondary schools, ensuring that rural students receive essential knowledge on gender equality, self-care, and school violence prevention.
- The Aide Au Vietnam (Luxemburg, 2024-2025) initiative continues to expand this work, training 189 core teachers who have reached 6,100 students in local secondary schools. These programs play a vital role in educating young people about healthy relationships, consent, and the long-term impacts of domestic violence.
Mekong Plus also integrates gender education into secondary schools, recognizing that adolescence is a crucial time for shaping attitudes. Teachers are trained to address gender issues with students, helping them understand that relationships between boys and girls go beyond physical attraction and should be built on mutual respect and emotional connection. This initiative is essential in challenging harmful norms early on, fostering a new generation that values gender equality and rejects violence.
Furthermore, Mekong Plus works closely with local Women’s Unions to train female leaders in public speaking, group management, and counseling. Over 26 Women’s Union members from 8 communes have received specialized training to strengthen their ability to support other women in their communities. These women lead discussions on gender equality and domestic violence prevention, ensuring that women are informed about their rights and the resources available to them.
Through a comprehensive approach combining education, legal support, and community engagement, Mekong Plus is not only helping survivors rebuild their lives but also working to change societal attitudes and prevent future violence and discrimination.
Temporary Shelters and Safe Spaces
For women facing immediate danger, Mekong Plus has worked to establish temporary shelters across multiple communes. These shelters provide a crucial refuge for women and their children, offering them a safe place to stay while they plan their next steps. Too often, women stay in abusive relationships simply because they have nowhere else to go. By providing a temporary escape, Mekong Plus ensures that women have the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from violence.
In addition to physical safety, these shelters provide emotional and legal support. Women who seek refuge are connected with local Women’s Unions and social workers who help them navigate their options, whether it be legal action against their abuser, securing longer-term housing, or accessing further financial support. The goal is not just to provide temporary relief but to offer lasting solutions that empower women to reclaim their lives.
A Community Effort for Lasting Change
Tackling domestic violence requires a collective effort. Mekong Plus works closely with both local and international partners to fund and implement these crucial programs. The Resilience Fund of the World Union has been a major supporter of Mekong Plus’ domestic violence initiatives, alongside contributions from the Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Union. Their support has allowed Mekong Plus to reach hundreds of women, but the need remains great, and more funding is required to expand these programs.
Another critical aspect of Mekong Plus’ work is engaging men and boys in conversations about gender equality. Indeed, ending domestic violence is not just about supporting women; it is about changing the attitudes and behaviors of entire communities. By involving men in discussions and educating young boys about respect and equality, Mekong Plus is working to create a cultural shift that will protect future generations from the cycle of violence.
The Power of Partnerships: Businesses & NGOs Working Together
At Mekong Plus, we understand that while our programmes create meaningful change, they operate on a micro-scale. To expand our impact, collaboration with businesses is essential. By working together, NGOs and businesses can amplify efforts, share knowledge, and build sustainable solutions that benefit entire communities.
On March 11th 2025, at the initiative of Mekong Plus, Beluxcham Vietnam hosted a seminar dedicated to fostering partnerships between businesses and NGOs. This event showcased how such collaborations create a win-win situation, demonstrating the mutual benefits of corporate social responsibility. Companies such as MOMO, BNP, HSBC, DIROX and Bang Phat Company participated, highlighting the potential for meaningful engagement between the private sector and social initiatives.
By engaging with businesses, Mekong Plus aims to share its experience and expand its reach, ensuring that the fight for gender equality and the empowerment of women continues to grow beyond local initiatives. Partnerships like these are key to achieving lasting and scalable change.
March is a time to honor women, but it is also a time to take action. Join Mekong Plus in making a difference. Your support can empower women, protect families, and create a future where no woman has to live in fear. Together, we can build a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
How You Can Help
Domestic violence is a widespread issue, but change is possible with collective action. By supporting Mekong Plus, you can help provide more women with microloans, access to education, and safe spaces where they can rebuild their lives. Every contribution, whether financial or through advocacy, plays a role in breaking the cycle of abuse and poverty.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Sponsor a child with a scholarship: https://mekongplus.org/en/sponsor-a-child/
- Finance a microcredit: https://mekongplus.org/en/finance-a-microcredit/
- Join our eco-tours: https://mekongplus.org/en/mekong-bikes/
- Buy our handicrafts: https://mekongquilts.com/
- Make a donation to our programmes: https://mekongplus.org/en/donate/
- Follow us on Facebook: Mekong Plus
