Even in the 21st century, many societies still hold prejudices against single mothers. Too often they are seen as “incomplete families” or doubted in their ability to raise children alone. These biases add to the already heavy burdens single mothers face—balancing both the role of provider and caregiver, often with fewer opportunities and greater financial hardship. According to UN Women (2020), households led by women—especially single mothers—are 35% more likely to fall into poverty than those with two parents.
In Vietnam, the challenges are no different. Single mothers often bear the double burden of earning an income while caring for their children, with limited access to stable employment, financial resources, or social support.
Quyen, a single mother, knows this reality well. After her marriage ended, she found herself at a crossroads, with little savings and two young children looking to her for everything. By day, her small living room becomes a classroom where she tutors primary school students. By night, the same space transforms into her workshop, where she hand-stitches embroidered towels, notebooks, mirrors, and passport covers to sell online or through souvenir shops in Hoi An’s Old Town.
“There were times I felt like giving up,” she admits. “But then I’d look at my children and remind myself—I cannot fall. Their dreams depend on me.”
Her son Dai Ngoc, born in 2012, has a special gift for art and dreams of studying abroad one day. Supporting that dream is both her pride and her greatest worry.
It was during her most uncertain days that Children of Vietnam’s Empowering Foundations for Women and Their Children (EFWC) program stepped in as a true companion. With seed funding, Quyen invested in more supplies to expand her product line. Through training workshops, she learned to use technology and social media to reach more customers. Beyond that, COV provided school scholarships for her children, Tet gifts for her family, and even opportunities to showcase her work at events—including commissioning her embroidery for the office.
“COV feels like a friend who always remembers me,” Quyen shares. “Thanks to their support, I no longer feel small or left behind. I believe I can work, raise my children, and still dream about the future.”
Now, she wants to give back. Quyen hopes to organize embroidery workshops for other single mothers in the program, passing on both skills and confidence so they, too, can build stable incomes.
Her story is a reminder that while prejudice may still exist, partnership and encouragement can change everything. With just a little opportunity and support, the determination of a mother can turn challenges into hope—and give children the wings to fly higher and farther.
Join Children of Vietnam in standing alongside mothers like Quyen—because when mothers gain strength, their children’s futures shine brighter.