Writer: Madlene, Marie and My Tien - DIZ Volunteers
Written on: 15th November 2024
Chapter 3 of “Voices of Resilience” was celebrated by C4C in Hanoi on the occasion of this year’s national Vietnamese Women’s day. All together we were listening to a self-empowering story by speaker Nguyen Hoang Anh, who bravely shared her story about the struggles throughout her life as a Vietnamese woman, who had to follow certain expectations, through social, familial and cultural pressure, how she overcame them and how meditation has brought her peace into her daily life ever since.
The special event was divided into three different parts, the first one being about Hoang Anh's past. As a young girl she described herself as curious and open minded, which she hasn’t lost until this day. With these strong characteristics, she longed to travel the world. So she ended up studying in Italy where she also got into a romantic relationship with one of her friends from Vietnam. But after some time she realized that she craved to explore more of what the world could offer so she decided to break up with her boyfriend at that time and to move to the Swiss. He decided to follow her and they were able to continue the relationship, until they even got married. Now the story could have ended happily here, but our protagonist felt the opposite. Nguyen Hoang Anh wasn’t happy in this marriage and especially not with the lifestyle and image that was now forced onto her.
While others were satisfied, such as her parents who were overjoyed, especially the mother, with her daughter finally being married and starting her life as a traditional housewife, just as it is intended in Vietnamese society, Nguyen Hoang Anh wasn’t. Cooking, cleaning and taking care of the family, including her now newborn son and husband, drained her. “He didn’t hit me or treated me badly”, she highlights but it was clear that her needs were put aside now, that she was only the “wife”. This was not the lifestyle she wanted and that Nguyen didn’t live for. She took matters into her own hands and made a brave decision, which was told during the second part of the event.
During this part the speaker shared another of her personal life stories, which was both touching and inspiring. Nguyen spoke about the difficult decision to divorce her partner, a process that was emotionally challenging but ultimately necessary for her well-being. Now, Hoang Anh lives happily with her son, finding joy in their close relationship and the life they have built together.
The speaker also shared that she recently traveled to the United States for a vacation with her son, which was a refreshing and bonding experience for them both. This trip symbolized a new chapter in her life, filled with happiness and personal growth. Furthermore, Nguyen Hoang Anh expressed her gratitude for the acceptance and support of her parents, which had played a vital role in her journey of healing and self-empowerment. Nowadays their understanding and love helped her rebuild her confidence and move forward with a positive outlook on life.
After these personal stories, the session transitioned into a guided meditation, which lasted for 20 minutes. Mediation helped her through difficult times. This mindfulness exercise allowed us to reflect on our own experiences and emotions in a calm and supportive environment.
The event concluded with a group discussion about resilience and personal growth, where we were divided into smaller groups to share our thoughts on these topics. These discussions were open and engaging, allowing participants to connect with one another and share personal reflections resilience and on personal growth.
The C4C event was a great experience, providing a safe space for participants, personal growth, and community support. The speaker's story was deeply touching, offering hope and encouragement for those facing similar challenges. The meditation and group discussions further enriched the experience, building a sense of connection and mutual support among us.
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