A day in the shoes of a consul general: Insights from a youth competition

In celebration of International Women's Day (March 8), a competition named 'A Day as a Consul General' was held at the end of February in Ho Chi Minh City for Vietnamese girls and women aged 13 to 22.

The event was held by the consuls general of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

Each consul general selected a winner by evaluating their responses to two crucial questions: 'What are your aspirations for International Women's Day?' and 'What do you wish to do for women if you became a consul general?'

Inspiration transcended

The winners are Le Nguyen Thuy Vy (chosen by France), Luu Thu Hang (selected by Germany), Nguyen Thi Truc Ly (picked by the United Kingdom), Nguyen Thi Thien Nga (chosen by Canada), and Nguyen Thi Bao Ngoc (selected by the United States).

During an exchange event held at the French Consulate General on Monday, all the five winners agreed that the competition was an excellent opportunity to boost their confidence, gain experience, and inspire women and girls to achieve their goals.

Le Nguyen Thuy Vy, an international relations major at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said that she had faced many challenges in her life which made her feel like a small individual in society.

While winning the competition initially made her feel nervous, the guidance she received from French Consul General Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser and the consulate staff boosted her confidence and made her feel 'grown up' than before.

Nguyen Thi Bao Ngoc, an intern at the cultural information department of the U.S. Consulate General, revealed her challenges with high school academics and doubts about passing the university entrance exam.

So she views her success in the competition as a demonstration of the importance of determination and pursuing one’s dreams.

Small changes, significant results

All the winners unanimously agreed that gender equality is a significant issue that can be addressed through small initiatives.

In an interview with Tuoi Tre News, Nguyen Thi Thien Nga, the winner chosen by Canada, emphasized the need for personal transformation to achieve gender equality in society.

According to Nga, societal gender equality will not change unless individuals change themselves first.

The 'A Day as a Consul General' competition serves as a stepping stone for Nga to continue learning, gain motivation, and hone her skills.

Nguyen Thi Truc Ly, chosen as the winner by the United Kingdom, expressed her motivation to study chemical engineering at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

Despite her initial shyness in crowds, Ly has developed a determination to engage in various similar contests, gradually enhancing herself.

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