Tran Thi Dien — Weaving Opportunities from Threads of Yarn

From factory worker to cooperative leader

Inside the bustling workshop filled with the rhythmic hum of knitting machines, Mrs. Dien works alongside her employees to complete the final batch of orders. Few would imagine that this former silk and textile factory worker would one day lead a thriving cooperative that empowers hundreds of women.

Understanding the hardships faced by female workers — especially those with limited opportunities — Mrs. Dien decided to start her own business after retirement, using her professional expertise to create local jobs.

In 2015, she founded the Quy Anh Knitting Cooperative, specializing in hand-knitted sweaters, crochet, and lacework for domestic and international partners.

In the beginning, the cooperative had only 20 workers and a modest capital of around 300 million VND. Orders were scarce, market access was limited, and many workers lacked proper skills. But with determination and resilience, she actively sought partnerships, expanded production, and gradually lifted the cooperative to stability.

Economic empowerment for local women

Prioritizing product quality, the cooperative quickly earned market trust and expanded operations. Today, Quy Anh employs 140 regular female workers across nearby wards and communes, offering a stable monthly income of 7–10 million VND.

Beyond free vocational training, the cooperative allows disadvantaged women to borrow equipment and work from home, enabling them to earn income while caring for their families.

“Seeing women gain income and still have time for their children is my greatest happiness,” Mrs. Dien shared.

The cooperative now produces 25,000–30,000 items per month, generating 600–700 million VND in monthly revenue, with handcrafted knitwear supplied to various domestic and international markets.

A model of women-led leadership

Mrs. Dien’s cooperative not only drives local economic development but also contributes to poverty reduction and rural livelihood security. She and the cooperative have received multiple commendations from the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and the provincial government.

According to Mrs. Lê Thi Thien, Vice Chairwoman of the Fatherland Front and President of the Women’s Union of Ward 2:

“Quy Anh is a standout women-led cooperative. Mrs. Dien is a shining example of female leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurship.”

From simple strands of yarn, Mrs. Tran Thi Dien has woven not only garments — but hope, dignity, and opportunity for women in her community — proving that it is never too late to begin.