by Prof.Dr.Sc. Pham Thi Tran Chau and Dr Luu Lan Huong,
Women in Science (VINAWIS) Club, Hanoi National University
Before the August 1945 Revolution, like women in many other Asian countries, the great majority of Vietnamese women were illiterate, unschooled and dependent on males. This is reflected in the lines:
Subjection of the daughter to her parents
Subjection of the wife to the husband
Subjection of the widow to her children
Since the Revolution women are becoming more liberated and equal to men. However, the feudal ideology is still present in society, especially in some underdeveloped areas and these remnants are reflected in society's views on women and even in women's thinking. For example, there is reluctance to let women enter higher education, parents usually giving priority to sons.
Being inclined to self-sacrifice, a great many women were willing to concentrate on creating favourable conditions for husband and children in learning, and in scientific and social activities, rather than thinking of themselves.
During the wars of resistance to foreign invasion, many women were forced to become independent, replacing husbands, fathers, or brothers to accomplish many tasks. This demonstrated their ability to take on crucial roles in family and society. Their growing self-confidence and their position and role in society have been the basis for development and strengthening through practice.
In the fields of culture, art, and science, through the successive periods of historical development, Vietnam has had celebrities such as Doan Thi Diem, Ho Xuan Huong, the late Academician of the French Academy of Medicine Madame Dang Hong Van, as well as several other female Professors and Doctors. Several female students have revealed obvious gifts in mathematics, obtaining high prizes in international competitions and reaching doctorate level in mathematics and physics abroad before the age of thirty. All these factors have ameliorated the situation, creating a sound basis for developing self-confidence of Vietnamese women in the tasks they are assuming.
Most female University teachers at various levels are confident in their ability once they are involved in scientific and educational activities. Some have been very successful but some have lagged behind male colleagues, which has decreased self-confidence to some degree.
We have examined the reasons for these results and have noticed that in successful people an important factor was early confidence in their own ability, their dreams and their determination on a science career. The family has also exerted a positive influence. Those who have lagged behind their male counterparts have not succeeded in combining family and social functions and have suffered progressive decrease in self-confidence leading to submission to the interests of husband and children.
When students enter University most are confident of their scientific ability. A survey of female students in Biology at Hanoi University showed that most are confident in their ability and the great majority have a passion for science, are willing to pursue a scientific path and aim to reach the highest level. However, during the course of learning, there is a gradual differentiation. Some, for various reasons, have not gained good results, have to make constant efforts to reach the level of their friends and struggle to gain the diploma. They therefore lose confidence in their ability. The good students become more and more confident with every success.
Our Women in Science Club aims to assist by raising the morale of students possibly by making an evaluation slightly higher than the students' actual capability so as to bring into play any latent ability and give an impulse to go forward. We foster tolerance and praise for each other and, like women in a number of countries, actively help each other to create favourable conditions for young women to succeed.
Since the 'open door' policy in Vietnam study tours and attendance at conferences and seminars overseas have become more numerous. Our Club in two years (1994-5) has given financial support to nine female members to participate in such activities in India, China and Thailand. The head of our club has established contacts with foreign colleagues to seek financial aid and at present we are giving financial assistance to 13 female candidates for higher degrees.
It is regrettable that at the end of 1995 the Netherlands' financial support to our club will end. We
have obtained help from two American professors and some from Australia but seek further help from individuals and organisations.
Note: The University of Wollongong WISENET group has collected donations from members to contribute to three post-graduate scholarships of $100 each for women students at Hanoi University. The link between WISENET and VINAWIS was made when Toni O'Neill visited Hanoi University in February 1995 as a member of an Environmental Science advisory group from the University of Wollongong.