Top 9 Bài văn nghị luận xã hội về người phụ nữ xưa và nay (lớp 12) hay nhất

Từ thuở xa xưa người phụ nữ luôn được nhắc đến bởi vẻ đẹp dịu dàng nết na. Người phụ nữ với tấm lòng nhân hậu vị tha với thiên chức làm mẹ làm vợ là tình thương sưởi ấm gia đình sưởi ấm tâm hồn mỗi chúng ta. Đất nước Việt Nam tôi cũng tự hào vì là một đất nước tươi đẹp với những con người nhân hậu, chất phác mà tiêu biểu là vẻ đẹp của người phụ nữ Việt Nam.

Xã hội xưa người phụ nữ phong kiến toát lên vẻ đẹp đảm đang trung hậu lo toan cho gia đình. Họ là những người phụ nữ nên phải chăm lo cho tốt công việc tề gia nội trợ tức là phải chăm lo ngăn nắp, chăm sóc nhà cửa chăm sóc chồng con. Tuy vậy thân phận của những người phụ nữ xưa lại vô cùng nhỏ bé, họ phải sống một cuộc đời long đong lận đận. Họ sống trong một xã hội phong kiến lạc hậu “Trọng nam khinh nữ”, người phụ nữ trong xã hội này dường như không có chỗ đứng và địa vị trong xã hội. Chính vì vậy mà trong văn học Việt Nam có rất nhiều tác phẩm nói lên số phận đau khổ của người phụ nữ xưa.

Như trong bài thơ Thương Vợ của Tú Xương, bài thơ Bánh trôi nước của Hồ Xuân Hương. Với những vẻ đẹp như vậy đáng lẽ ra người phụ nữ phải được sống một cuộc sống hạnh phúc êm đềm. Nhưng trong xã hội thối nát bất công đó họ lại phải chịu nhiều những đắng cay uất ức. Trong cái xã hội phong kiến với quan niệm lạc hậu đó, họ không được phép quyết định hạnh phúc của mình. Đó là nỗi lòng của biết bao người phụ nữ Việt Nam xưa khi với họ hạnh phúc thì rất nhỏ nhoi nhưng họ lại phải chia sẻ cho nhiều người. Người phụ nữ Việt Nam không chỉ chịu nhiều đắng cay khổ cực mà họ cũng phải lam lũ vất vả nhọc nhằn để nuôi chồng con. Nhưng họ lại không được đền đáp ngay cả người chồng họ cũng phải chia sẻ tình thương đó.

Thời xưa con trai thường năm thê bảy thiếp, ở đó không dành cho sự chung thủy. Sống trong xã hội mục đã lấy thân phận họ rẻ rúng tình yêu thương họ cũng phải cầu xin hạnh phúc và số phận lại không được quyết định. Tất cả những nỗi tủi nhục bẽ bàng vất vả kia chính là hệ quả mà xã hội phong kiến gây nên cho họ. Đáng lẽ ra họ là những người phụ nữ chân yếu tay mềm cần được xã hội chăm sóc nhưng cái xã hội phong kiến thối nát lại giết đi quyền được làm người một cách đúng nghĩa, quyền được sống và mưu cầu hạnh phúc của người phụ nữ. Càng thương thân phận của họ ta lại càng căm ghét cái xã hội vô nhân tính kia bấy nhiêu. Khi xã hội phong kiến sụp đổ người phụ nữ trong xã hội mới lại là những người anh hùng tham gia vào chiến trường giải cứu đất nước. Đó là vẻ đẹp của các nữ thanh niên xung phong họ là những cô gái trẻ đã hy sinh những tháng năm sinh dân của mình vì độc lập tự do của tổ quốc.

Trong xã hội ngày nay người phụ nữ không chỉ đóng góp mỗi vai trò nội trợ trong gia đình nữa mà còn có vai trò quan trọng khi tham gia vào nhiều lĩnh vực xã hội góp phần xây dựng nền kinh tế, xã hội hiện đại ngày nay quyền của người phụ nữ đã được nâng cao họ được xã hội bảo vệ không chỉ riêng tính mạng và còn về tinh thần. Người chồng không chỉ lo mỗi việc kiếm tiền mà còn biết phụ giúp trong tất cả công việc gia đình.

Tuy nhiên người phụ nữ vẫn là người làm tốt nhất công việc chăm sóc gia đình họ vẫn đóng vai trò quan trọng nhất và họ còn đóng nhiều vai trò quan trọng trong công việc lao động sản xuất đem lại nguồn thu nhập cho gia đình. Họ cũng có nhu cầu làm đẹp hơn khi xã hội quan tâm đến họ việc làm đẹp luôn như là yêu cầu tất yếu. Trong đời sống ngày nay lời ăn tiếng nói của người phụ nữ cũng hòa nhập với xã hội. Họ không phải lúc nào cũng ăn nói trong một khuôn phép thưa bẩm, dạ vâng. Họ có những công việc riêng nên lời ăn tiếng nói của họ cũng phải phù hợp ngắn gọn súc tích trong công việc. Người phụ nữ cũng có nhu cầu học tập để mở mang tri thức.

Tóm lại dù sống trong xã hội nào thì người phụ nữ vẫn giữ được vẻ đẹp cần cù đảm đang sáng tạo của mình. Tất cả những đức tính vốn có giúp họ thành đạt hơn trong cuộc sống và có chỗ đứng vững chắc trong xã hội. Những người phụ nữ xưa và nay đều luôn hết mực thương yêu chồng con và dành tất cả tình thương cho gia đình. Họ không chỉ đẹp đẽ về vẻ ngoại hình mà còn có nhân cách tốt đẹp. Chúng ta cần phải trân trọng yêu thương họ vì họ cũng là một nửa của thế giới.

The universe is full of many wonders, but perhaps the most mysterious and extraordinary one is the woman. However, the role and status of women in society has changed over time, from the past to the present.

We can see the image of women in ancient society through many literary works. The story of 'The Tale of the Girl from Nam Xuong' tells the tragic life and fate of Vu Nuong, a beautiful and virtuous girl. She married Truong Sinh, a man from a wealthy family, but one who was less educated, suspicious, and overly jealous. Their peaceful family life was disrupted when Truong Sinh had to leave to join the army. While he was away, Vu Nuong gave birth to a son and devoted herself to raising the child, taking care of her elderly mother, and faithfully waiting for her husband. Every night, she would point to her own reflection on the wall, telling her son that it was his father's image. When the war ended, Truong Sinh returned home, and after hearing his son's words, he wrongly believed that his wife had been unfaithful, insulting and driving her away. Heartbroken, Vu Nuong jumped into the Hoang Giang River and took her own life. After a time, Truong Sinh realized his mistake and set up a ceremony to clear her name. Vu Nuong appeared before him briefly, then disappeared.

Similarly, in 'The Tale of Kieu' by Nguyen Du, the story of Kieu depicts a young woman from a respectable family who lived with her parents and two younger siblings. During a spring outing, Kieu met Kim Trong, and the two fell in love and promised to marry. But when Kim Trong left to mourn his uncle's death, Kieu's family was falsely accused, and Kieu had to sell herself to redeem her father. She was deceived by human traffickers and forced into a brothel. Although Thuc Sinh saved her, she was tortured by his jealous wife, Hoan Thu. Kieu sought refuge in Buddhism, and a monk named Giac Duyen sent her to live with Bac Ba, but this only led her back to another brothel. There, Kieu met Tu Hai, who married her to help her seek revenge and repay her debts. Unfortunately, Tu Hai was betrayed, and Kieu was forced to marry a corrupt official. In great pain and despair, Kieu threw herself into the Tien Duong River but was saved by Giac Duyen once again. Eventually, after learning of Kieu's fate, Kim Trong returned and, with the help of Giac Duyen, was reunited with her.

As Nguyen Du poignantly wrote:

"Alas, the fate of women,

To say their misfortune is common, is a truth well known."

These lines reflect Nguyen Du's deep understanding of the suffering and helplessness of women in feudal society, a society rife with injustice and patriarchal oppression. The women of that time were gentle, capable, and virtuous, yet their lives were filled with hardship due to the oppressive feudal system and ignorant beliefs that led them to endure much suffering.

In today's society, the role and status of women have transformed. They no longer are just homemakers; they now play vital roles in various sectors, contributing to the growth of the modern economy and society. Women's rights have been elevated, and society now protects them, not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. In today's world, the words of women carry more weight and influence. They no longer need to speak in subservient tones, always deferring. Women are now educated to expand their intellectual horizons, exposed to the latest in science and technology, and free to love and choose their partners.

Regardless of the society they live in, women will always play an important role. They deserve love, respect, and protection.

It has been said that: “No mystery in the world can compare to the mystery of a woman.” Women have always played an essential role in society, from the past to the present. However, their roles were not always acknowledged, as can be seen through the depiction of women in the past and today.

In ancient society, when our country was heavily influenced by Confucianism from China, women were not only disrespected but also subjected to harsh feudal rules. Whether in a noble or poor family, women were not allowed to decide their own lives, instead following the principles of “three obediences and four virtues.” The “three obediences” were: to obey the father at home, to obey the husband when married, and to obey the son after the husband’s death; the “four virtues” included morality, beauty, speech, and work.

The belief in “patriarchy” ran deep in the consciousness of people, even continuing into today. Women were not allowed to study, enter sacred places, or freely love and marry; their lives were arranged by their parents. Once in marriage, a woman’s duty was to care for her family, obey her husband’s decisions, and have no voice. This image of women can be found in many literary works, such as the tragic story of Vu Nuong, a beautiful woman who took her life due to the blind jealousy of her husband. Or in Nguyen Du's “The Tale of Kieu,” where Kieu’s beauty and talents led to a life of suffering, with her destiny shaped by the winds of fate.

In today’s society, as the world progresses and modernizes, the position and role of women have changed. They no longer have to live under rigid feudal codes. Women can attend school, work, and live independently. They no longer rely solely on men and can make decisions for themselves. In marriage, they can express their opinions, care for themselves more, and achieve success, sometimes surpassing men. Women, though often considered the weaker sex, have shown great strength and courage when their country called upon them, like the brave women of the Dong Loc intersection, the heroic martyr Dang Thuy Tram, or the mothers of Vietnam who sacrificed everything. These images prove the significant role women play in society.

No matter the era, the essence of the Vietnamese woman remains timeless: diligent, caring, and loyal:

"My body, both fair and round,

It has endured the tides and the storms.

Regardless of my fate, the sculptor’s hand may shape me,

But I will keep my pure heart unchanged."

(Bánh Trôi Nước, Hồ Xuân Hương)

Though life changes, the beauty of women will always remain eternal. Therefore, we must cherish and love the women around us more.

The treasure trove of Vietnamese folk literature is a nurturing, soothing stream that nourishes our souls. Alongside other genres, folk songs, born in the old society, express the hearts, thoughts, and emotions of the people in their relationships—whether in love, family, or their bond with the homeland. Folk songs are not only about love and affection; they also carry the sorrowful and bitter laments of the Vietnamese people, especially of women in the past society.

In feudal society, women were always overlooked and belittled. They had no say in any area of life. The deeply ingrained belief in “patriarchy” trampled upon their basic rights, with men given the privilege of multiple wives, the power to rule, while women were seen as insignificant shadows, unworthy of respect. Their lives were spent in endless labor, toiling for their husbands and children, while their futures remained bleak and uncertain. They had to speak up for their own voices, for their dignity.

"My body is like a piece of silk,

Waving in the market, unsure who will own me."

These words reflect a deep sense of sorrow and bitterness. A woman compares herself to a piece of silk for sale at the market, with her fate controlled by others. Her existence, fragile and pitiful, is marked by helplessness. The phrase “my body” speaks of a profound sorrow, a feeling of being sold and traded, with no freedom or choice, as society dictated her life from birth.

"My body is like a small fish,

Caught by the net in the river, trapped in the pond."

There is no escape, no way out, only the feeling of being trapped in a life of servitude, a prisoner to the customs and traditions that dictate her every move. The metaphor of a “silk piece” or a “small fish” conveys the insignificance and helplessness of a woman’s fate in such a society. The fish struggles, but only within the confines of the stagnant pond, just as women were constrained by societal expectations, unable to control their own happiness.

"A stone grows moss because of the flowing water,

A stone turns grey because of the morning dew.

I want to bind my fate with yours,

But I fear my mother, who is like the sea, my father, like the sky."

The longing and desire for happiness are suppressed by the oppressive customs and beliefs that bind them. Women’s voices of protest echo through time, but they were often muted by the weight of tradition and expectation.

"My body is like a dry betel nut,

Some like it thin, others prefer it thick."

These folk sayings are full of sorrow, likening women’s fates to insignificant things—small, fragile, and weak. It reflects the awareness and resistance of those who lived in constant suffering. Women had the right to love and live freely, but society denied them that right, forcing them to live lives filled with bitterness and despair.

"This year, I am to be married,

My body like an ox, bearing the yoke."

In this H'mong folk song, the woman laments her fate as a bride, not for love or happiness, but for the duty of serving her husband’s household. She becomes like an ox, burdened by endless labor, with no respite, no freedom. The chains of her existence close around her, as she faces a future of submission and toil.

"The fish bites the hook, not knowing how to free itself,

The bird is caged, unsure when it will fly free."

There are moments when women face cruelty and mistreatment from their husbands:

"The stork is just a stork,

Why does it beat its wife, sleeping with another?"

At times, they face betrayal and abandonment:

"I remember when you were kind and caring,

Bringing me medicine and a slice of lime.

Now you are healthy and strong,

Leaving me behind for a new love."

In every area of life, women of the past were denied happiness. They had no freedom, love was not acknowledged, marriage was not a choice, and their relationships were not respected. In every aspect, they were oppressed, with no voice to choose their own path. Even the act of expressing love became a sad and desperate plea.

"My body is like a thorny water chestnut,

White on the inside, black on the outside.

If you don’t believe me, peel off the skin,

Eat it, and you’ll see I’m sweet inside."

In every lament, women express their sorrowful fate, comparing themselves to insignificant things—like a piece of silk, a drop of rain, a dry betel nut, or a water chestnut. All of these metaphors are small, fragile, and pitiful. The rain has no place to fall, the betel nut is chosen by others, and the water chestnut has beauty hidden inside but is unknown to the world. This folk song is a plea from women, asking society to recognize their worth, but still filled with self-doubt: "If you don’t believe me, peel off the skin and you’ll see that I’m sweet inside." A hesitant invitation to love and acceptance.

These folk songs of lament are not just expressions of sorrow for a hard life, but also serve as a powerful voice of resistance, asserting the value and dignity of women in a past society that often silenced them.

When we explore Vietnamese literature, we are amazed by its vast and diverse treasure trove, with a wide array of genres and themes. Works that depict women in the past society evoke deep emotions in readers. Through simple yet profound expressions, folk literature and classical works bring us countless reflections and empathy for the tragic fate of women. Their lives were often marked by sacrifice, loss, and hardship, as they lived under the unjust feudal system, burdened by outdated prejudices.

We once took great pride in the masterpiece of the great poet Nguyen Du, 'The Tale of Kieu.' In this work, the author portrays the exceptional beauty and talents of Thuy Kieu, a woman who excels in music, poetry, and the arts. Her beauty is compared to the eternal allure of nature (flowers envious, willows melancholic). Through this portrayal, the poet foreshadows Thuy Kieu's troubled future, full of uncertainty and trials.

Indeed, Kieu’s life is plagued by constant upheaval, enduring the cruelty of the feudal powers, particularly the oppressive influence of the officials and money. Kieu sacrifices her true love to sell herself and save her father, placing familial duty above all else. From there, her life plunges into a long period of suffering, marked by 15 years of hardship. Yet, even amid these cruel circumstances, Kieu never surrenders; she remains resolutely aware of her self-worth, a quality that endears her to readers and preserves her beauty in spirit throughout time. From Kieu’s tale, we encounter many other tragic lives captured in folk poetry:

"My body is like a piece of peach silk,

Waving in the market, unsure who will claim me."

This folk verse begins with the phrase “my body,” which adds a mournful tone to the lament. This opening makes the sorrow even more poignant. The use of familiar yet vivid imagery evokes the woman’s awareness of her own beauty—a delicate and graceful beauty of youth, a value that should be cherished. Yet, through the metaphor, the verse subtly conveys the woman’s suffering. In this marketplace setting, the woman has become a commodity, her fate uncertain, her life precarious, dependent on others' choices.

In this society, women could not determine their own destinies, much like the woman in the folk story who bids her lover farewell. Her fate is like a product on the street, to be chosen and bargained for by others, beyond her control. She cannot dictate her own love, and any resistance seems futile.

Women in literature from the past were not only beautiful in appearance but also carried inner virtues. One such example is Vu Nuong from 'The Story of the Daughter of Nam Xuong' by Nguyen Du. Despite her virtue and loyalty, Vu Nuong’s husband doubts her, leading her to tragically drown herself in the Hoang Giang River to prove her innocence. Another example of feminine beauty is the love and longing depicted in folk poetry:

"The scarf, filled with longing,

Is draped over the shoulder, carrying thoughts of someone far away."

In this verse, the emotions of the character are conveyed through a series of unanswered questions, amplifying the feeling of yearning. The blending of tones in the poem (alternating between rising and falling tones) mirrors the turmoil, the intense longing, and the aching heart, leading to quiet tears.

Though enduring suffering was a fundamental trait of women in feudal times, there were those who resisted, fighting for justice and a better life. The repeated revivals of Tam after each attempt on her life by her stepmother and stepsister symbolized the powerful desire to live. Her transformation showed the resilience of individuals in a society that still oppressed them.

Clearly, women in the past shared a common fate of misfortune. Regardless of their beauty or noble hearts, they were bound by archaic customs and harsh social rituals. While they might rise in defiance, they could not overcome the dark, cruel forces of a feudal society.

Reading these ancient poems and stories, we feel deep sympathy for the plight of women in the old society. At the same time, we come to appreciate their radiant beauty in a society that was harsh and unjust. This reminds the younger generation of the value of the present-day world, where women are respected, cherished, and able to live in the happiness they have worked for and cultivated.

Vietnamese family culture is deeply influenced by Confucianism. The relationship between husband and wife in Vietnamese tradition reflects this influence as a natural outcome. Despite this, the traditional marriage values in Vietnam have distinct characteristics of their own.

Vietnamese women are somewhat more confident and natural compared to women in aristocratic families or large, powerful clans in neighboring China, which also follows Confucian principles. Aside from fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers, Vietnamese women are willing to share the burdens of work with their husbands. The image of the husband plowing and the wife planting rice, with the ox working the fields, is commonly seen in rural Vietnam. The saying “When the wife is in harmony with the husband, they can even drain the Eastern sea together” reflects this unity. Close ties between both maternal and paternal sides of the family are also valued: “Marry near home, even the soup is brought over.”

Not only do Vietnamese women share household duties, but they also support their husbands in village responsibilities and even take charge of state affairs themselves. Throughout history, figures such as Trưng Trắc, Triệu Thị Trinh, Dương Vân Nga, and others have set examples of women leading in battles, a testament to the enduring values of Vietnamese marriage and familial commitment.

Beyond a few prominent individuals, countless nameless wives, daughters-in-law, and virtuous women who embodied loyalty and sacrifice have been celebrated by society. The iconic image of a woman holding her child, waiting for her husband, even turning into stone, symbolizes the enduring devotion of Vietnamese women, a theme repeated across the country from north to south. The Vietnamese society’s reverence for virtuous women, linking their pure nature to the beauty of the natural world, is unique and rare in other cultures.

Although Confucianism allows for polygamy for men and promotes a woman’s loyalty to one husband, the Vietnamese also praise men who are loving, devoted to their wives, and loyal to their spouses even when faced with suggestions (or pressures) to marry women from wealthy, powerful families. Loyalty and duty are frequent themes in classical Vietnamese literature, such as in the stories of Tống Trân - Cúc Hoa and Phạm Công - Cúc Hoa.

Family is regarded as the foundation of society: “The state originates from the nation, and the nation originates from the family.” The stability of the family is considered the basis for the stability of society. In Eastern philosophy, much attention and effort are dedicated to building and expanding the family—having many children, acquiring wealth, and gaining recognition—as these are seen as personal pride and happiness.

In traditional Vietnamese thinking about marriage, individual pleasure is not the ultimate form of happiness. For young couples, personal time does not hold much significance. The concept of a honeymoon after marriage is not part of the traditional Vietnamese worldview. Women traditionally sacrifice their own happiness, endure hardships, and prioritize the well-being of the family. They have a long history of putting aside personal enjoyment—giving up youth, even personal health—entirely for the happiness of their families, their husbands, and their children.

Many women not only gave birth and raised children but also supported their husbands through education, hoping for a prosperous future for the family. Despite the uncertainties, they endured hardships with the hope that their husbands would eventually recognize their sacrifices. The saying “Never marry a scholar with no money, for you will only end up with a lot of fabric and an empty stomach” reflects the frustrations but also the selfless devotion of these women.

In a country that depends on agriculture but faces numerous natural disasters and has endured many wars, the sacrifices of Vietnamese women have been magnified. Diligent, resilient, enduring, and loyal—these qualities are often highlighted when discussing the virtues of Vietnamese women, wives, and mothers.

The national liberation revolution and the subsequent nation-building efforts under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam marked a new chapter in the country’s history starting in the fall of 1945. Women’s rights, alongside other rights, were formally recognized. Vietnamese women have proven their strength and played a vital role in the revolutionary struggles of the nation. They have also continued to manage their households, living up to the accolades of President Hồ Chí Minh, who praised them as “Heroic, Unyielding, Loyal, and Capable.”

As the country progresses and develops, Vietnamese women continue to assert their place in society. They are no longer just the women of the home but also active participants in the broader social sphere. However, complete gender equality has not yet been achieved. Old societal norms (such as male dominance, patriarchy, and domestic violence) persist in the mindset of many modern men. Vietnamese women still need to continue their own gender equality revolution to achieve true equality for themselves.

Women, the other half of the world, have always played crucial roles in life and society throughout history. However, these roles have not always been recognized or respected by society. This is evident when we compare the status of women in the past to their position today.

In the feudal society, Confucianism played a central role in education and was the standard of knowledge for all scholars. While Confucianism had positive values for national construction and defense, it also had a major drawback in undermining the role of women, seeing them as lower in social status, regardless of whether they came from royal families or wealthy households.

This led to the deep-rooted belief of male dominance in Vietnamese society for centuries. Women were not allowed to attend school, learn to read, or visit sacred places like temples of literature. Furthermore, their futures were not determined by their own choices but by their parents' decisions. When a girl reached marriageable age, her parents would choose her husband for her, and she had no right to fall in love or choose her partner. The lives of women in ancient society were tragic and restricted.

Living in such a society, women were like delicate flowers in the wind, easily disregarded by their families, including their fathers or husbands, due to the deeply ingrained mentality of male supremacy.

As women were forced to comply with strict gender roles, they became diligent and capable, fulfilling the expectations of a good wife and a mother. They took care of the household, becoming the backbone of the family, allowing their husbands to focus on providing for the family. The saying “Men build houses, women build homes” probably came from this tradition.

Over time, the feudal society faded away, replaced by a modern, progressive society. With societal changes, there was a shift in how women's roles were perceived. Unlike the past, women today are allowed to attend schools just like men and can pursue any career they desire without restrictions. In today's society, many businesses are led by female entrepreneurs, and important positions in government are held by women, such as Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân and Mrs. Trương Mỹ Hoa.

Women today are no longer forced to learn outdated principles like the “three obediences and four virtues,” a set of rules that dictated that a woman must obey her father at home, her husband when married, and her son after the husband's death. In modern times, if a woman becomes a widow, she has the right to remarry and find happiness again, unlike before when she would remain alone and rely solely on her children.

However, in today's society, as women's roles have gained more recognition and equality, some women, engrossed in their work or personal pursuits, have lost sight of traditional feminine qualities. Not all women today know how to cook, manage a household, or care for their families. While this is their personal choice and shouldn't be criticized, in my view, women, as the “fairer sex” and “weaker sex,” should still be able to fulfill basic responsibilities as wives, mothers, and the primary figures of the household. Many marriages have suffered and even ended in divorce because both partners, overly focused on their careers, neglected their families, leading to broken homes. This is a sad reality.

Without women, the world would not be as complete as it is. Therefore, the role of women in society is undeniable, and it’s clear that over time, the position of women has been elevated to the level they rightfully deserve.

The universe may boast of many wonders, but none are as magnificent or awe-inspiring as women. Today, we can clearly see how women’s roles and images have been elevated in society, much more than in previous historical periods. Looking back, we see the stark contrast between the roles of women in ancient times and those of today, especially during the dark, tumultuous days of the feudal era in our country.

Women have always been regarded as the fairer sex, and their significance in modern society has grown immensely. It’s evident that women are now given the respect they deserve in contemporary society. However, if we rewind time to the past, we can better understand how women were treated in ancient societies.

In the past, a woman's existence seemed fragile, constantly suppressed by societal forces. Although women were intelligent, virtuous, and beautiful, they were unjustly treated, much like the lament of the poet Nguyễn Du:

"Alas, the fate of women is such,

It is said that misfortune is their common lot."

In the past, women had no rights, no freedom. They were subjugated by a system that was inherently unjust. This unjust society was full of degrading customs that brought misery to women. Their lives were essentially controlled by the oppressive norms of that era. Despite this, we can still recognize and appreciate the beauty—both outward and within—that these women possessed.

It's undeniable that during the feudal period, the very survival of a woman was precarious, much like a bird in a cage or a fish in a bowl. Women were unable to control their own lives, let alone pursue their simple desires for a peaceful existence. Even the most basic wishes of women from the past were never realized.

Throughout time, women have always been characterized by their diligence, patience, and sacrifices. The modern woman does not only manage the household but also excels in every domain. With globalization, these traits of women continue to shine brightly.

Women are the bearers of the flame of love and happiness. Their contributions to the family are endless. The modern woman is as dynamic and energetic as men, and in many cases, outshines them. Women today know how to reinvent themselves.

It’s no longer just about “succeeding in public life while managing the household.” Once, society viewed men as the sole pillars of families, but this perception is gradually changing. Women today are not only family pillars but also strong support, helping share domestic duties and life’s joys and sorrows. This shift allows women more time to care for their children and contribute to society.

In today’s world, women no longer only serve as family nurturers but are also deeply involved in social activities. We now see more women becoming politicians, famous scientists, and dynamic managers. Prominent examples include Huỳnh Thị Như Lam, Head of the Tourism Department (Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism), who has shared her experiences and the challenges of balancing work and family life: "In the tourism industry, you’re constantly on the move, and balancing work and family life is an art."

This underscores the determination and empowerment of modern women. Today, women have not only the opportunity to fulfill their personal aspirations but can also achieve great things for themselves, their families, and their countries.

Though the status of women has drastically shifted from the past to the present, with women once disrespected and now recognized for their contributions, their shared qualities—hard work, perseverance, and noble virtues—remain timeless.