NHG female leaders: classy and resilient 

What qualities should a female leader in a dynamic and unpredictable educational environment have? On the occasion of Vietnamese women's day, let listen to female leaders of Nguyen Hoang Education System (NHG) "reveal" their secret of success in management roles. 

Enjoy the teaching pleasure 

To be successful in the teaching profession, what every teacher and leader does, is to love what they do and fully enjoy the pleasure of standing on the platform every day. Regarding her career journey, Ms. Phan Thi Huong Giang, principal of iSchool South Saigon, shared: “Over 12 years of teaching and 9 years as an educational administrator, what makes me happiest is being dedicated to and pursuing the career of teaching. Each generation of students leaves me with an indelible mark. I feel happy as I did something to the task of cultivating the future of young generations."  

Ms. Phan Thi Huong Giang, principal of iSchool South Saigon 

Growing up in a family with a tradition of teaching, Dr. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc, acting dean of the Faculty of Logistics and International Trade, Hoa Sen University, has felt in love with the career of teaching. She is fortunate to have the freedom to learn knowledge and successfully pursue her passion both domestically and internationally. 

“With the spirit of freedom and self-organizing ability, women working in the education field can balance work and life better than those in other professions. Generally speaking, they have the skills to train their children better, so the happiness' sustainability in society and family is also higher than that of the general population.” 

Dr. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Logistics and International Trade, Hoa Sen University 

Turn challenges into opportunities 

A recent statistic demonstrates that 76 percent of education staff are women, however, the percentage of leaders in this industry is still relatively low. In fact, not only in the education sector but also in many other professions, the percentage of female leaders is still low. In fact, not only in the education sector but also in many other professions, the percentage of female leaders is still low. Only five out of 83 countries reporting these figures to the ILO have achieved gender parity in leadership positions. 

Dr. Tran Cam Thi – Dean of Faculty of Tourism and Health, Ba Ria Vung Tau University  

According to Dr. Tran Cam Thi – Dean of Faculty of Tourism and Health, Ba Ria Vung Tau University: “Concepts about the role of traditional women still influence on people's thinking today. The biggest challenge for a modern woman is balancing family life, career development and contributing to society." 

MA. Pham Quynh Lam, principal of UKA Gia Lai, sees eye to eye with Dr. Tran Cam Thi about this issue, shared: “I encountered many obstacles in my career because I am a woman. The role of Asian women is still in favor of the family, from giving birth to taking care of the family, educating children, etc., has taken away a significant amount of time of women, especially during the 25-40 years old period - the best dedication period to the career”. 

MA. Pham Quynh Lam - Principal of UKA Gia Lai 

Taking care of the family can become a barrier because it consumes a lot of time for women to advance in their careers. But for education, that challenge is also an opportunity for women to turn the role of mother into the teacher for generations of students. 

“We easily realize the characteristics of the education sector that are in harmony with female workers. With natural qualities, tenderness, thoroughness, and perception, our female teachers are always at the forefront of learning and research activities. We witnessed many exemplary female teachers being honored on national and international forums. It is an opportunity for female teachers to ascended to female leaders", Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang - Vice principal of iSchool Quang Tri shared.

Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang - Vice Principal of iSchool Quang Tri shared.

Constantly innovating themselves 

To become modern teachers or leaders, apart from professional knowledge, the new era requires educators to be equipped with skills to adapt to the change of the integrated environment. 

“Besides expertise, educators equip themselves with technology skills, foreign languages, etc. In addition, preparing themselves for an open mind, receiving multi-dimensional views, accepting different points of view of students, of colleagues and superiors will help educators develop their own inner resources and achieve happiness in their careers," said Dr. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc. 

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh - Principal of UKA Da Nang

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh - Principal of UKA Da Nang gives 3 tips for women in the education industry: “First, keep your love and passion for the profession forever. Any profession is noble, but the teaching profession assumes many meanings and always needs passion. Secondly, constantly study to improve your knowledge, and read a lot of books to access the world's knowledge source to open up your vision. Third, arrange your work scientifically to balance your work and family. Never be self-deprecating, but always keep the pride of being a teacher.” 

No matter how the world changes, women always gain a firm position in society. With their innovative efforts, creativity, patience, and perseverance, they will soon succeed and become as talented female leaders as men. On the occasion of the Vietnam women’s day, I wish all women, especially mothers, aunts, and sisters working in the education industry, will always be beautiful and to stay strong on their spreading knowledge journey. 

Y NHUNG