Sunlight - Unilever Vietnam Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the National Initiative Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

DNHN - On 30 November 2025, at the review conference of Project 939 and the launch of Project 2415, Unilever Vietnam and its brand Sunlight were honored with a Certificate of Merit from the Presidium of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU).

On 30 November 2025, at the review conference of Project 939 and the launch of Project 2415, Unilever Vietnam and its brand Sunlight were honored with a Certificate of Merit from the Presidium of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU). The recognition highlights the brand’s exemplary contributions to the Government’s initiative “Supporting Women Entrepreneurs 2017 - 2025,” marking another milestone in Sunlight’s long-term commitment to empowering Vietnamese women to take charge of their economic futures and to embrace innovative entrepreneurship.

Fueling ambition and accompanying Vietnamese women on their entrepreneurial journey

Driven by the belief that women’s empowerment is fundamental to sustainable development, Unilever Vietnam and Sunlight have taken a pioneering role in delivering community-support initiatives, with a particular focus on women. Since 2020, the program “Vietnamese Women Confident in economic self-reliance,” jointly implemented with the Vietnam Women’s Union, has served as a vital platform for women seeking to start or expand their own businesses.

Going beyond training workshops and skills enhancement, the program also connects participants with seed funding and amplifies a spirit of entrepreneurial courage nationwide through the co-creation of the reality TV show “When women take the lead”,  produced in collaboration with Vietnam Television (VTV).

Over its three decades in Vietnam, Unilever has consistently identified women’s sustainable livelihoods as a core pillar of its long-standing commitment to the community - “Because Vietnam is Home.” This is not only a sustainability pledge, but a firm belief: when women grow, families and society grow with them.

Impact in numbers – Expanding the power of Vietnamese women

More than 90,000 women across 47 provinces and cities have received training to enhance their business capabilities.

167 start-up projects have been supported with seed funding, totaling VND 2.75 billion.

The microfinance fund “New Beginnings,” sponsored by Unilever, has provided over 50,000 microloans for women, with a cumulative revolving capital pool of VND 350 billion.

The reality TV program “When women take the lead,” broadcast for two consecutive seasons on VTV3, has inspired 30 million women

From a small start-up class in the mountains to a nationwide women’s entrepreneurship movement.

Ms. Hoang Thi Bich Ngoc, a Tay ethnic minority woman from Lang Son, is among the thousands whose lives have been transformed through the program. After several setbacks in animal farming and personal family hardships, she once believed she could no longer start again. But enrolling in the “Vietnamese Women confident in economic self-reliance” training course became a turning point.

The program’s practical, accessible business lessons enabled Ms. Ngoc - and many others - to apply knowledge directly to their daily lives. Motivated by this foundation, she boldly entered the TV competition “When Women Take the Lead.” Despite having no prior exposure to online selling, video production, or livestreaming, she excelled with guidance from program experts, ultimately taking Second Prize and inspiring millions of women across the country.

With support in knowledge and funding from Sunlight, she went on to establish a women’s livestock and forestry cooperative in Na Pai, creating jobs and elevating incomes for many in her community. Her story stands as a compelling testament that any woman, when empowered at the right moment, can break through limitations, step beyond her comfort zone, and pursue her aspirations with resilience.

A well-deserved recognition for advancing women’s economic empowerment

At the 30 November 2025 conference reviewing Project 939 and launching Project 2415, Unilever Vietnam and Sunlight were officially commended by the Vietnam Women’s Union for their outstanding contributions to the Government’s “Supporting Women Entrepreneurs 2017 - 2025” initiative. Representing national leadership, the Prime Minister praised and highly valued the exemplary organizations and individuals honored at the event.

Ms. Le Thi Hong Nhi, Deputy General Director of Communications, External Affairs, and Sustainable Development at Unilever Vietnam, remarked: “In a challenging economic landscape, women remain a resilient engine of growth. Unilever Vietnam and Sunlight are proud to contribute to the success of the Government’s initiative through close collaboration with the Vietnam Women’s Union. Empowering women to start businesses is not only about creating new enterprises - it is about driving progress, equity, and long-term sustainability. Receiving this commendation from the Vietnam Women’s Union is a profound source of encouragement for Unilever as we continue supporting women to confidently take charge of their economic futures and to spread positive impact in this new era.”.

Pham Ha