Climate change is increasingly affecting the lives and livelihoods of people across the Mekong Delta. In this context, women are not only among those directly affected but are also becoming important agents of change within their own communities.

In Vinh Long, this is taking shape through the “Strengthening Climate Resilience in Vinh Long Province, 2023–2027” project, funded by the Norwegian Mission Alliance in Vietnam (NMA-V). With its extensive grassroots network and deep understanding of local communities, the Vinh Long Provincial Women’s Union plays a key role in connecting the project with women and local communities, while also taking the lead in organising and promoting activities at the grassroots level.

The project is currently being implemented in 13 communes and wards, including Cau Ke, An Phu Tan, Phong Thanh, Chau Thanh, Hung My, Song Loc, Cang Long, Nhi Long, Tan An, Long Huu, Long Hiep, Tan Hoa, and Long Duc.

During the first six months of 2026, 8 village savings and credit groups were established, bringing together 160 members. The groups offer more than small loans to help women strengthen their household livelihoods. They also bring women together to save, support one another, and share experiences. Through these small but meaningful financial opportunities, women are gaining greater economic independence and becoming more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

Alongside livelihood development, environmental protection is another area where the Women’s Union and NMA-V have placed strong emphasis. 20 community self-management groups, involving 200 members, have been established to carry out activities including waste collection, environmental clean-ups, plastic waste reduction, and improvements to local surroundings.

Six training sessions on waste segregation and the production of microbial composting solutions were also organised, with 150 participants. These activities are helping people gradually change their attitudes and everyday practices around household waste, starting right at home.

A vivid example of this change is the 3-kilometre flower-lined road in Long Hiep Commune, implemented with a total investment of VND 28 million. The flower-lined road has done more than brighten the local landscape. It has brought residents together, with the Women’s Union helping mobilise the community to care for their surroundings and create a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful place to live.

The Provincial Women’s Union also worked with the project to assess and develop a support plan for 7 women-led households with OCOP products, with the aim of increasing product value and promoting sustainable livelihoods. In addition, 15 households received reinvestment of livelihood capital at VND 6 million per household, providing further opportunities to continue production, improve incomes, and strengthen household stability.

These results demonstrate the strength of a partnership in which NMA-V contributes resources and technical support, while the Women’s Union plays a vital role in connecting with communities and leading implementation on the ground. Together, they help ensure that project activities are more closely aligned with people’s needs and make better use of the available resources within local communities.

More importantly, through this partnership, women are gradually moving from being beneficiaries to becoming agents of change, taking initiative to develop livelihoods, protect the environment, support one another, and promote climate-adaptive practices within their communities.