[1] It functions as a gender museum and research centre that provides knowledge on the historical and cultural heritage of Vietnamese women among the nation’s 54 ethnic communities.

This was part of the government’s priorities to recognise the role played by women in the nation’s historical and cultural development and, promote female empowerment.

[3] Plans to establish the museum were initiated in 1985 by Nguyen Thi Dinh, who was serving as the president of the Vietnam Women’s Union at the time.

The museum was closed for redevelopment and refurbishment works from 2006 to 2010 with funds provided by the Vietnamese government, Vietnam Women’s Union, and the Ford Foundation.

The contract is dated 15/7/2009 and signed by Nguyen Thi Tuyet, the museum director at that time, and Dao Boi Huong, a representative of Van Viet Company.

Talking to reporters, Nguyen Thi Bich Van, the current museum director, said, "All our activities are based on the Cultural Heritage Law and Circular 18/2010 / TT BVHTTDL of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which prescribed organization, functions and duties of the Museum, the revenue is guaranteed to pay full payment to the state budget in accordance with the regulations.

From rice pots to rifles, the collected items displayed at the museum represent the successes and tribulations and, personal lives of Vietnamese women.

Indeed, historical and cultural studies have highlighted the immense contributions made by Vietnamese women towards the nation’s development since its early days.

Through surveys, research and fieldtrips conducted across 64 provinces and cities in Vietnam, it was revealed that public awareness regarding gender and women’s issues were limited, particularly in the rural and remote areas.

The museum officials attributed this to their fear of public speaking, low literacy rate, lack of social interaction and unequal distribution of labour for women.

Indeed, the results of the surveys and research conducted by the museum officials over the years revealed that Vietnamese women had limited time for rest and relaxation or participation in community activities.

Majority of their time was spent on housework and other activities such as working on fields, looking for food, raising livestock and holding secondary jobs to earn incomes.

It presents their varied roles and positions within the society as well as significant events, rituals and practices related to: wedding, childbirth, maternity and child care, business, cultivation, fishing and foraging, cooking, pottery, and tailoring.

Stories of these women’s wartime contributions, struggles, sacrifices, and glorious feats with weapons are vividly demonstrated by the artifacts and objects displayed within the exhibits.

There are also short films that describe Vietnamese women’s personalities, passion, skills, spirit, and traditional values in the contemporary society.

[3] The Vietnamese Women’s Museum has also set up many virtual exhibitions (such as Street Vendors) on its official website for overseas researchers and international audience to learn about gender issues in Vietnam.

Mother’s Great Happiness and River of Light (2007) reflect the hardship and struggles faced by widows and disabled women whilst raising their children.

The museum also had to develop networks and partnerships with various local and international social organisations to jointly tackle sensitive issues and promote public awareness regarding the discrimination faced by marginalised communities.

The contract, dated 15 July 2009, was signed by Nguyen Thi Tuyet (the then director of the museum) and Dao Boi Huong (representative of Van Viet Company).