"Take off" art exhibition

Inspired by trips to the North, Central, and  South of Vietnam, Backpack in Vietnam Travel Coffee is for those who love to travel. They can share pictures of their trips and reminisce about the regions they passed through.

This is the project of a young entrepreneur named Trần Văn Quý.

To pursue this project, Quý had to pause his study at the University of Foreign Trade and encounter opposition from his family. Despite the hurdles he faced Quý decided to follow his passion.

Tran Van Quy, Founder, Bui Xuyen Viet Company said: I left university in order to pursue this project. I pushed myself every day to find the motivation to work. I believe that those who also have similar plans for themselves went through the same dark period I did. But remember, hard work will pay off with happiness.

Phạm Thị Nga, a woman from the previous generation, had to leave her dream to become a teacher or doctor, because under the old social norms, females didn't need to study a lot. All they needed was a good husband.

Pham Thi Nga, Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Prov.  said: I regret that. If I was more aware then, I would have followed my dream.  Now it's too late, so I have to create opportunities for my children.

To have a dream and the determination to realize that dream is the theme of the art exhibition on gender equality called "Take Off" which was produced by the gender justice and freedom organization Wequal.

Nearly 30 individuals shared their stories of their desires to live to their fullest potential.

“Everyone has aspirations. It is the ideal that we live for. Now, we don't pay too much attention to it. We haven't asked questions about what we are passionate about. That's why we want people to identify the barriers that are constraining their aspirations”, said Hoang Giang Son, Coordinator, Wequal Project

Vu Phuong Thao, Deputy Head, The Institute for Studies of Society, Economics and Environment (iSEE) said: Wequal works towards a new perspective on gender equality and allows for the maximum development of a person and is not restricted by social constraint or gender.

"Takeoff" is designed to be an interactive space for young people, families and groups interested in gender equality. They can express themselves, call for everyone to respect their wishes and different aspirations for a society of freedom, equality and love.

The exhibition is until March 5 and takes place at the Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.