What is Vietnamese Women's Day (October 20)?
Vietnamese Women's Day, observed on October 20, is an annual occasion to commemorate and honor Vietnamese women. It is tied to the founding of the Vietnam Anti-Imperialist Women's Union on October 20, 1930. Alongside International Women's Day (March 8), it is one of the most significant days in Vietnam's cultural and social calendar.
Historical background
The first platform and the principle of "equal rights for men and women"
The Communist Party of Indochina was founded on February 3, 1930. Its first platform stated clearly: "equal rights for men and women". This was a progressive stance in early 20th-century Vietnam, where women were still bound by many feudal and Confucian constraints.
The Party recognized women as an important force of the revolution and set the task of women's liberation, linking national liberation and class liberation with women's liberation.
The need for a separate women's organization
To draw women from all walks of life into the revolutionary movement, the Party required women to join revolutionary associations such as workers' and peasants' unions, while also establishing a separate organization for women. This prepared the ground for an official women's organization.
The event of October 20, 1930
On October 20, 1930, the Vietnam Anti-Imperialist Women's Union was officially founded. To mark this event, the Communist Party of Vietnam decided to designate October 20 as the traditional day of the organization, and also as the day to commemorate and honor Vietnamese women, named "Vietnamese Women's Day".
The organization was later renamed the Vietnam Women's Union. Thus, October 20 carries both a historical meaning tied to a socio-political organization and a broader social meaning as an occasion to honor women.
The meaning of Vietnamese Women's Day
Historical meaning
October 20 marks the birth of the first women's organization in Vietnam's revolutionary movement. It reflects the growing recognition of women's role in the struggle for national independence and affirms the principle of gender equality set out in the Party's first platform.
Social and cultural meaning
Vietnamese Women's Day is an occasion for society to acknowledge and express gratitude for women's contributions within the family and in society. It is also a time to recall the fine traditions of Vietnamese women across different periods, from labor and production to resistance, construction and national development.
Contemporary meaning
Today, October 20 is a time to remember roots while continuing to highlight women's roles in all fields. The day also helps promote awareness of gender equality, respect and protection of women's legitimate rights.
Distinguishing October 20 and March 8
Many people wonder why Vietnam has both International Women's Day (March 8) and Vietnamese Women's Day (October 20). The two days have different origins:
| Criterion | March 8 | October 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | International Women's Day | Vietnamese Women's Day |
| Scope | International | Vietnam |
| Origin | Struggles of working women worldwide | Founding of the Vietnam Anti-Imperialist Women's Union on October 20, 1930 |
| Meaning | Fighting for women's rights, peace and equality | Marking the traditional day of Vietnam's women's organization, honoring Vietnamese women |
Both days honor women, but October 20 bears a distinct Vietnamese historical imprint linked to the founding of the first revolutionary women's organization.
How Vietnamese people observe October 20
On October 20, many activities take place across the country. According to press reports, flower markets such as the Quang An night flower market (Tay Ho District, Hanoi) become bustling from the night before. Jewelry and gift brands offer promotions for female customers. Fresh flowers may double in price yet still sell well.
Beyond shopping and gift-giving, many agencies, schools and organizations hold seminars, gatherings and recognition ceremonies for outstanding women. It is a time to acknowledge women's efforts in work and life.
Values to preserve
Vietnamese Women's Day is not only about flowers and gifts; it is also a time to look back on the journey for women's rights. From the principle of "equal rights for men and women" in 1930 to today, the status of Vietnamese women has changed positively. Honoring women should go hand in hand with ensuring an equal, safe and respectful environment for women in family and society.
October 20 thus carries both commemorative meaning and an invitation to reflect on the role and quiet contributions of women in everyday life.
