My Experience as a Woman Growing Up in Vietnam and Germany

🇻🇳In Vietnam, traditional gender expectations placed value on having sons, who were seen as more valuable than daughters.

👭Growing up in a traditional rural area, I faced constant teasing and low self-esteem because I did not fulfill the expectation of being a son.

👩‍💼In Vietnam, women were expected to have jobs that were less time-consuming, while men were encouraged to pursue high-earning careers.

🧕In Vietnam, beauty standards emphasized being thin, having pale skin, and dressing fashionably.

🏋️‍♀️Despite societal pressures, Vietnamese women, including my mother and sisters, have achieved success and independence.

Did your family resent you for not being a son?

—While my family hoped for a son, they did not resent me. However, people in our village constantly made fun of my family for having four daughters.

Have beauty standards in Vietnam changed over time?

—Beauty standards in Vietnam still prioritize thinness and pale skin. The pressure to conform to these standards can have a negative impact on self-esteem.

Did you face any discrimination or challenges as a woman in Germany?

—My experience in Germany has been more positive in terms of gender equality. However, as a grown-up woman studying here, I can't speak about growing up in Germany.

Were there any positive aspects to the traditional gender expectations in Vietnam?

—While traditional gender expectations in Vietnam had negative effects, they also placed importance on education, which allowed me to pursue a career and independence.

What message do you have for young girls facing gender expectations and pressures?

—I encourage young girls to embrace their individuality and not let societal expectations define their worth. Education, self-confidence, and determination are key to overcoming challenges.

00:00I share my experience growing up in Vietnam and Germany as a woman.

08:28In Vietnam, traditional gender expectations prioritize having sons and place pressure on women to conform to beauty standards.

12:00Vietnamese women face challenges but remain strong and successful.

12:46In Germany, I experienced more gender equality.

13:09My experience in Germany as a grown-up woman studying here has been positive in terms of gender equality.