Every year on October 20, Vietnam celebrates Vietnamese Women’s Day—a time for honoring the enduring values and quiet strength that women bring to families, communities, and the nation at large. In 2025, the occasion arrives against the backdrop of a country making strides in social development and poverty reduction, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like the PetroVietnam Fertilizer and Chemicals Corporation (PVFCCo—Phu My). At the same time, individuals and media outlets, such as ELLE, are encouraging people to express appreciation for the women in their lives with gifts that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
For PVFCCo, the last five years have been a period of steadfast commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility. According to the company’s own reports, from 2021 to 2025, PVFCCo has played a significant role in Vietnam’s multi-dimensional poverty reduction efforts, aligning closely with the national sustainable poverty reduction program established by Decision No. 90 of the Prime Minister on January 18, 2022. The company’s philosophy, summarized as "sharing prosperity," has guided its contributions to both economic growth and social welfare across the nation.
Over this period, PVFCCo has actively supported sustainable agricultural development by sponsoring millions of bags of Phu My fertilizer for farmers in challenging regions. More than 300 advanced farming models have been introduced in the Central Highlands, South Central Coast, and Mekong Delta. The results have been striking: farmers adopting these models have seen productivity rise by 10–20%, input costs fall, and household incomes improve significantly. According to PVFCCo, "These models help farmers change traditional cultivation practices, increase productivity, reduce input costs, and improve income."
But PVFCCo’s vision extends well beyond agriculture. In 2024 alone, the company allocated over 40 billion VND to social welfare initiatives, with a major share going to agricultural production support, disaster recovery, and long-term livelihood assistance for remote and disadvantaged communities. This investment, as reported by PVFCCo, underscores its belief that "accompanying farmers is the most fundamental path to eradicating hunger and reducing poverty."
One of the company’s most cherished traditions is the annual "Tet for the Poor" charity event, which has been running for nearly two decades. Each Lunar New Year, tens of thousands of thoughtfully assembled gift packages are delivered to poor households, policy families, and students facing hardship throughout Vietnam. During the 2025 Lunar New Year, PVFCCo distributed 8,000 Tet gift packages valued at 8 billion VND. Each package included both cash and practical items tailored to local needs. While modest in material terms, these gifts are rich in meaning—offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of solidarity to those striving to overcome poverty. PVFCCo describes the initiative as a way to "bring joy and hope to disadvantaged people on their journey to escape poverty."
Education and healthcare—two pillars of sustainable poverty reduction—have also been at the heart of PVFCCo’s social investment. Between 2022 and 2024, the company invested tens of billions of VND in constructing and repairing essential community infrastructure: schools, medical stations, and civil works in hard-hit localities. Notable examples include the multi-purpose hall at Phuoc Hai 1 Primary School in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, built for 5 billion VND and now serving over 500 students, and a two-story classroom block at Trung Vuong Kindergarten in Phu Tho, completed at a cost of 4.5 billion VND. These projects, spread across the Central region, Central Highlands, and Mekong Delta, have provided thousands of children with better learning environments and improved access to healthcare.
In tandem with infrastructure support, PVFCCo runs the annual “Phu My Fertilizer – Wings of Dreams” scholarship program. To date, more than 2,000 scholarships worth nearly 12 billion VND have been awarded to disadvantaged students nationwide. Many recipients have gone on to graduate from university and become engineers, teachers, or young officials in the oil and gas sector and beyond. The company notes that "many of these students have become successful professionals, continuing to spread the spirit of 'Phu My Fertilizer – for a green future and Vietnamese knowledge.'"
While organizations like PVFCCo work to uplift communities on a national scale, individuals are also seeking ways to recognize and support the women in their lives. ELLE magazine has curated a thoughtful list of gift ideas for Vietnamese Women’s Day 2025, emphasizing the importance of inner well-being and personal growth. The magazine suggests that the best gifts are those that help women feel understood, appreciated, and empowered to become the best versions of themselves.
Among ELLE’s recommendations are books that inspire motivation and self-improvement. Titles such as "Ikigai – The Art of Living," "Atomic Habits," and "Bạn Đắt Giá Bao Nhiêu" by author Văn Tình are highlighted for their potential to encourage reflection, discipline, and self-love. The magazine notes, "A good book is never out of fashion. In the age of social media, choosing a book as a gift is even more meaningful, offering a gentle pause for reflection and reconnection." To add a personal touch, ELLE suggests including a heartfelt note, such as "Wishing you peace in every page," to make the gift complete.
Other recommended gifts focus on organization and mindfulness, like planners or handmade diaries that allow women to set goals and track their personal growth. For relaxation and stress relief, items such as meditation mats, yoga pillows, scented candles, and essential oils are suggested. Fragrances like lavender and bergamot can help reduce anxiety and foster a sense of calm, while a quiet corner for meditation can become a cherished daily ritual.
For women interested in self-exploration, tarot card decks and astrology books offer unique avenues for understanding personality, energy, and emotions. Energy jewelry—such as bracelets or necklaces made from rose quartz, amethyst, or green aventurine—are also popular, symbolizing love, compassion, peace, and confidence. As ELLE puts it, "A piece of jewelry with positive energy becomes a true spiritual talisman."
Finally, experiences that nurture the body and mind, such as spa packages, massages, or yoga retreats, are gaining popularity as meaningful gifts. Many spas now offer comprehensive wellness packages that include essential oil massages, herbal steam treatments, and guided meditation, helping women reconnect with themselves and recharge for the challenges ahead.
In a year when both collective and individual efforts to support women and vulnerable communities are in the spotlight, the convergence of PVFCCo’s large-scale social programs and the personal gestures encouraged by ELLE reflect a broader trend: a society that values both structural change and heartfelt, everyday acts of kindness. As Vietnam continues to pursue sustainable development, these intertwined approaches—whether from a major corporation or a loved one’s thoughtful gift—are helping to build a more inclusive and compassionate future for all.
