Moving beyond traditional methods, ethnic minority women are using technology and scientific advances to expand their business opportunities, improve their livelihoods and strengthen their roles in their families and communities. These are among the initial results of Lao Cai Province’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Scheme for 2026–2035.
For Sung Thi Dinh in Ta Van, the working day begins with managing bookings and promoting her business online. She designs marketing materials, produces promotional videos and handles reservations for her homestay and tours.
Sung Thi Dinh, founder of Dinh Sapa Trekking and Homestay in Ta Van Commune, Lao Cai Province, said: "Technology and social media have helped me a great deal in reaching international visitors and helping them learn more about Sa Pa. They also allow me to share information with a wider audience and introduce people to our community."
Beyond tourism, technology is also helping increase the value of locally grown medicinal herbs. By investing in a vacuum concentration system, Hai Yen’s cooperative has improved its capacity for deep processing.
Nong Thi Hai Yen, chairwoman of the board of Ta Phin Green Medicinal Herbs Cooperative in Lao Cai Province, said: "This system allows us to process and concentrate our products at low temperatures, removing moisture to the level required. It also helps eliminate yeast and mold. As a result, our products can reach the market without the need for chemical preservatives."
Lao Cai's Women's Entrepreneurship Support Scheme for 2026-2035 prioritises helping ethnic minority women access finance, technology and business training. The provincial Women's Union also supports community-based tourism and the processing of local agricultural produce and medicinal herbs, making use of local strengths to create sustainable livelihoods.
Ha Thi Doa, vice chairwoman of Lao Cai Provincial Women's Union, said: "Applying science and technology, particularly digital transformation in tourism, has helped women reach wider markets and promote the unique products and cultural heritage of their communities. We also provide training to strengthen their skills, support business ideas and organise entrepreneurship competitions. We then select suitable models for further financial and practical support."
By embracing technology in their own communities, women in the mountainous areas of Lao Cai are writing an inspiring story of economic empowerment, where innovation not only creates economic value but also helps turn aspirations into reality.
From using digital technology to manage tourism to investing in modern machinery for production, women in Lao Cai are taking the lead in changing the way they work, adding value to their products and playing a bigger role in the local economy.
