The initiative is designed to improve their livelihoods and living conditions, helping them achieve long-term financial stability.

On March 3, the Women’s Union of the Tay Ninh Border Guard, in collaboration with the Women’s Union of Tan Bien District, granted interest-free loans from BAT Vietnam’s Women’s Empowerment Program to 57 disadvantaged women living in the district’s border communes.

The financial aid targets households classified as impoverished, near poor, or economically struggling in Tan Bien District. Each recipient receives 10 million VND ($400) over an 18-month period, enabling them to engage in husbandry, farming, or small business ventures. This initiative aligns with the advanced rural development goals of sustainable poverty reduction.

The loan distribution event coincided with 2025 National Border Defense Day and the 10-year review of Directive 01/CT-TTg, a government initiative promoting public participation in border security and sovereignty protection. 

The event was hosted by the Tan Binh Commune People’s Committee, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Tan Binh Commune, and local border guard stations.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Thi Cam Loan, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union of the Tay Ninh Border Guard, emphasized the importance of initiatives like "Accompanying Women in Border Areas," which aim to uplift underprivileged women and strengthen border communities. 

She noted that BAT Vietnam’s Women’s Empowerment Program aligns well with this mission by providing essential financial resources and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

"After our careful assessment, we recognize that BAT Vietnam’s Women’s Empowerment Program effectively meets local needs. This interest-free loan not only provides women with critical financial support but also opens the door to additional resources for improving their lives," she said. 

She added that the Women’s Union of the Tay Ninh Border Guard would continue to work with local women’s unions to ensure the funds are used effectively.

Proven success and expansion into Tay Ninh province

In 2024, BAT Vietnam disbursed interest-free loans to 40 women in My Quy Dong and My Thanh Tay communes (Duc Hue District) and 16 women in Nhon Hoa Lap Commune (Tan Thanh District). These areas, located in the Dong Thap Muoi region of Long An Province, rely heavily on agriculture and face economic instability.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union of Tan Thanh District, Long An Province, shared positive feedback: "After just a few months, many households have started seeing profits from husbandry, farming, and small businesses. This additional income helps them afford essential household items, provide better education for their children, and improve their overall quality of life."

Since 2022, BAT Vietnam’s Women’s Empowerment Program has assisted 136 women, positively impacting over 540 people in Duc Hue and Tan Thanh districts (Long An province).

Beyond financial assistance, the program also provides training in modern farming and husbandry techniques, organized in collaboration with Women’s Unions and agricultural extension officers. So far, 30 training sessions have been conducted, benefiting 539 participants.

All loan recipients commit not to engage in illegal tobacco smuggling or other unlawful activities, reinforcing BAT Vietnam’s commitment to ethical and responsible business practices.

Recognized as one of BAT Group’s leading sustainability initiatives, the Women’s Empowerment Program was highlighted in BAT Group’s 2024 Annual Report for its meaningful social impact.

PV