The following panel, focused on the topic “From Barrier to Breakthrough: Navigating Gender Stereotypes”, featured a thoughtful and experienced discourse from pioneering female leaders. This included Dr. Josefine Wallat, the Consul General of Germany in HCMC, entrepreneur Thái Vân Linh, finance expert Mina Chung, and data expert Anne-Cathrine Koch. They openly discussed the challenges they faced, along with their strategies and tips for building up their reputation today. In the third and final panel discussion, titled “Daring to be Different: Stories of Women who Followed Their Passions”, SEA Games golden medal winner bgirl Shun, pilot Khánh Ly, and technical product manager Trâm Nguyễn shared their true stories about working in male-dominated careers. They also motivated the audience, emphasising that no job is out of reach with enough effort and passion.
Entrepreneur Thái Vân Linh expressed, “The PowHERful Vietnam Girls’ Summit has transmitted a huge stimulus for girls to jump over their limits. I believe that by encouraging diversity, PowHERful will leave a new door open, allowing the halo effect to spread the positive change and creativity of girls and our community.”
In the evening, the 1000 girls were divided into small groups to participate in training workshops, specifically focusing on CV preparation and interview skills by Skills Bridge, and personal finance management by Money with Mina. Additionally, a booth exhibition was organised throughout the day, providing thrilling activities for them to gain firsthand knowledge about career orientation.
“As the Chairwoman of the PowHERful campaign, I take pride in witnessing this event come to fruition. Our mission is simple: to celebrate women’s wonderful achievements. It also aims to motivate girls across Vietnam to dream big and realise their inner strength. Let the stories shared today become the inspiration to enlighten their aspirations. Together, we are building a future where girls’ dreams are not only potential but a reality,” said Ms. Angeliqué Masse-Nguyen of Saigon Children’s Charity.
This event was sponsored by the Consul General of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City, Schaeffler, GeoComply, Rotary Club Saigon International, New World Saigon Hotel, Carota, Eponji, Fujifilm, Mondelez International, Money with Mina, Oriflame, Pizza Hut, NOI, Skills Bridge, Purple Asia, Shuttlerock, Vero, Yam, and Zakka Naturals.
PowHERful is a nationwide campaign, aiming to call for corporations, organisations, and individuals to take action and empower children and youth to overcome gender-based barriers and develop to their full potential. In addition to the summit, the project also conducts research about the challenges girls in Vietnam may face in the educational environment. To read the full white paper or support the project, please visit https://powherful.saigonchildren.com.