{"id":3611,"date":"2025-03-06T12:30:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T12:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/?p=3611"},"modified":"2025-12-18T17:57:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T17:57:31","slug":"vet-sao-bang-tien-phong-cua-phong-trao-nu-quyen-o-viet-nam-dau-the-ki-2o","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/vet-sao-bang-tien-phong-cua-phong-trao-nu-quyen-o-viet-nam-dau-the-ki-2o\/","title":{"rendered":"[THE TRAILBLAZER OF WOMEN\u2019S RIGHT MOVEMENTS IN THE EARLY 20TH]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Madam Manh Manh \u2013 a writer\/ journalist on her journey standing up for justices and eliminating prejudices for women of her time \u2013 raised her voice in fervent support of women\u2019s rights: \"Innovative women are the new ones who follow social trends and the contemporary civilized era<\/em>\" and she \"stood alongside men, seeking equal value as human beings in society<\/em>\". Through every page of her books and her resolute words, she not only portrayed the essence of women's souls but also played a significant role in raising social awareness about the women's rights movement, gender equality, and the eradication of long-held prejudices imposed upon women throughout generations. So, what compelled a petite woman to step forward and assertively fight for such causes?

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SO HUMANITARIAN A WOMEN\u2019S RIGHTS JOURNEY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nguyen Thi Manh Manh was born in 1914 to an intellectual Hanoi\u2019s household. From early ages, she was encouraged by her family to read books and engage in writing, which shaped her passion for literature and journalism. She attended a prestigious Vietnamese-French school, where she had exposure to a wide range of foreign literary works, which greatly influenced her way of thinking and writing later on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1930, Nguyen Thi Manh Manh began her journalism career.\nShe worked for many major newspapers and magazines such as Phong Hoa, Ngay Nay, and Phu Nu Tan Van. The content of her articles did not focus solely on current affairs and social issues; rather, it showed a particular concern for the conditions and rights of women. This is evident in her frequent critiques of social injustice, her calls for reform, and her efforts to raise awareness of women\u2019s roles within the family and society.\n\nDuring the years 1931\u20131932, she graduated with a Thanh Chung diploma in teacher training and was retained by the school as an instructor. While seriously fulfilling her responsibilities as an educator, Nguyen Thi Manh Manh also actively participated in social activities and journalism, contributing to publications such as Phu Nu Tan Van, Cong Luan, and Nu Luu.\n\nAround 1933\u20131934, she clearly articulated her stance by publishing articles in Phu Nu Tan Van in support of the New Poetry Movement (Tho Moi), alongside senior poets such as Phan Khoi, The Lu, and Luu Trong Lu. This support reveals her modern sensibility and progressive thinking\u2014manifested both in her advocacy for literary innovation and in her pioneering role in the early feminist movement in Vietnam in the early twentieth century.\n\nBeyond writing, she traveled to Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Hue, Hai Phong, and Hanoi to deliver public lectures calling for literary reform and social change, with a particular emphasis on promoting women\u2019s rights. These lectures attracted large audiences and enthusiastic support, and were notably acknowledged by Hoai Thanh and Hoai Chan in Thi Nhan Viet Nam: \"...Association of Encouraged Learning had been established for 25 years, and for the first time, a young woman took the stage, and for the first time, there was such a well-attended speech.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this period, Nguyen Thi Manh Manh wrote a wealth of articles and essays calling for the improvement of women\u2019s rights and status. She organized and participated in many discussions and seminars on women\u2019s rights, where she delivered speeches and inspired many other women. The female scholar\u2019s allure emanated from her provocative topics, bold way of speaking, intellectual and dignified style, and her rare understanding of culture as a \u201cyoung person.\u201d She held the belief that education and raising awareness were the main paths for women to escape the constraints of feudal society and rise up. In a talk at a Women\u2019s Fair on May 25, 1932, held at the Tao Dan garden, she said: \u201cFor people like us who, while lacking knowledge, seek wisdom; and who, though uneducated, yearn for understanding; and who, despite unfamiliarity with art and literature, wholeheartedly appreciate them, then the Women\u2019s Study Association is truly invaluable<\/em>.\" She always emphasized the significance of education for women. No longer were they unassuming figures in the background; now was the era for them to step into the light, find their own ideals, and no longer succumb to outdated feudal standards. Like a blazing torch enlightening the path, she gradually disseminated and led the way, so that everyone would know, everyone would understand, and everyone would participate.

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IDEALS ELEVATED THROUGH EVERY SPEECH, EVERY POEM<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from journalism, Nguyen Thi Manh Manh was also a talented writer. She authored numerous literary works, among which novels and short stories stood out, highlighting the role and power of women. Some notable works include \"The Mirror of Women,\" a novel depicting the life and struggles of a young woman overcoming difficulties and social prejudices, and \"The New Women,\" a collection of short stories honoring modern, strong, and independent women. Dr. Phan Van Hoang wrote: <\/em>“\"She attacked detrimental customs such as male superiority, arranged marriages, and polygamy while advocating for the rightful rights of women. In 1934, she traveled to four cities (Hue, Hanoi, Nam Dinh, and Hai Phong) to deliver speeches on topics such as 'Public Perception of Progressive Women,' 'A Day in the Life of an Enlightened Woman,' 'Should Marriage be Free?' and 'Should Polygamy be Abolished?' Her ideas sparked opposing opinions in society, reflected through the press in both the North and South.\"<\/em>She posed thought-provoking questions, embodying humanistic ideals and offering insights into women's thoughts. In that era, few dared to do what she did, to stand up for their rights, to fight against social injustices. Nguyen Thi Manh Manh stood up, and she was a pioneer. Thus, we can see how deeply she pondered and contemplated the fate of women. Her modern ideas and courageous voice compelled society at that time to pay attention to that very topic - women's rights and the pursuit of equality in society. According to Dr. Bui Tran Phuong, ultimately, if we want the current struggle for gender equality in Vietnam to become a meaningful wave, we must genuinely understand what women's rights truly mean. Furthermore, we must critically examine the labels we attach to women and question their validity. One notable label is \"the virtue of appearance and speech.\" She quotes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDiligence, the fragrance of cooked rice, the taste of cakes,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duty, the needle that stitches, surpassing a thimble's domain.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appearance, the dignified visage of a precious gem,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never excessively ardent nor subserviently submissive.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wordings, the humble tutor imparting wisdom,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtue, the path paved with honesty and trust.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtuous brides from the past to the present<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appearance, diligence, wordings,virtue, the compass of worldly norms.<\/em>\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Gia hu\u1ea5n ca <\/em>\u2013 Nguy\u1ec5n Tr\u00e3i)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"These words are served so that we may understand whether they are worth preserving or not, rather than lamenting their loss,\" she concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, her entire life of ideals and the tumultuous journey of her career were devoted to raising her voice for gender equality in the country and challenging the prevailing injustices in society. Why should such an extraordinary individual be consigned to oblivion?

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A LIFE INTERWOVEN WITH THE FEMINIST AND NEW POETRY MOVEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nguyen Thi Kiem belonged to the pioneering generation of women who were among the first to fully embrace Western-style education. She was a student at the first institution for women in the country - Ao Tim School. The Feminist movement is vividly portrayed through the life and career of a woman, bringing history to life in a very specific, lively, and emotional manner. In her speech titled \u201cPublic Opinion of Men Regarding Progressive Women\u201d, delivered in Hue on the night of May 3, 1934, she articulated: \u201cFeminism involves emancipating women from obsolete customs, advocating for their rights, discovering avenues for our sisters to sustain themselves, find ways for them to earn a living in order to lead more fulfilling lives, and elevating their intellectual standards.\u201d <\/em>Manh Manh the poetess initiated a remarkably dynamic and innovative feminist movement during her time. Besides championing the New Poetry movement, she traveled extensively to advocate for gender equality, receiving enthusiastic support from women. In his essay - \"In remembrance of a Talented and Courageous Poetess\u201d, Dr. Phan Van Hoang wrote: \" She vehemently criticized obsolete customs such as male chauvinism, child marriage, and polygamy\u2026, defending the legitimate rights of women. In 1934, she went to four cities (Hue, Ha Noi, Nam Dinh, and Hai Phong) to deliver speeches on topics such as 'Public Opinion of Men Regarding Progressive Women,' 'A Day in the Life of a Progressive Woman,' 'Should Marriage Be a Matter of Free Choice?' and 'Should Polygamy Be Abolished?' Her ideas during these speeches sparked a dichotomy of public opinion (with both support and opposition) being reflected in the press from the country\u2019s South to North\u2026\u201d<\/em> Through her fervent journey, one can discern the intimate connection between the individual and history, how an individual can shape history.\u00a0

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A DISTINCTIVE MARK IN THE FEMINIST MOVEMENT AND THE EARLY DAYS OF THE NEW POETRY MOVEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manh Manh the poetess was a visionary thinker. In issue 228 of Duoc Nha Nam published on December 14, 1933, she wrote in response to Hoang Tam from the Duoc Nha Nam press: \"<\/em> Because there are many pressing issues more important than poetry, we delayed our publication. Now that you mention preparing to celebrate your victory, I will draft a New Poetry piece I wrote two months ago for publication. If you have spare time and the Duoc Nha Nam is short of content, let me know, and I will provide several New Poetry pieces for you to publish and critique at once<\/em> .\"\nEach of her statements reflected the progressive awareness of her time. While most contemporary Confucian scholars opposed New Poetry and viewed it as a romantic but superficial literary, disconnected from real life, Nguyen Thi Kiem, with her modern ideas, robust writing skills, and sharp, incisive language, boldly expressed her support for the New Poetry movement. She highlighted how the rigid rules and strict conventions of classical Tang poetry stifled the creative potential of artists. She was the author of several poems published in the Women\u2019s New Literature newspaper, such as \u201cTwo Young Ladies\u201d and \u201cA Poem Sent to Addicts: Madame Lafugie \u2013 the Explorer and Artist\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe one who traversed regardless of scorching sun, frigid snow, slanting lands, and breaking rocks. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dressed like a comrade, riding horseback, traversing mountains, wading through trenches, descending into pits, ascending slopes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accompanied by a group of local guides, braving the rugged terrain.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enduring calm days, stormy nights\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you hear me, gentlemen? Or is it:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While my soul is stirred, by the presence of a newly glimpsed talent,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While I fervently sing of the courage, the fierce determination, the heroism,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of a woman, you lie indifferently, still poking, searching, smoking, addicted.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, gentlemen, indeed for life, around the world:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are not men, and you are not even worthy of being women!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(\"Ph\u1ee5 n\u1eef t\u00e2n v\u0103n\", no. 239, 26\/4\/1934)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, she composed the poem \u201cA Letter to All Who Love or Hate New Poetry\u201d<\/em> \u2013 a work that served as a manifesto advocating for the New Poetry movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, it's me, Manh Manh, friends!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s been so long since I wrote poetry, did you grow edgy?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, it's me, Manh Manh, gentlemen!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s been so long since I wrote poetry, did you find it errie?...\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dear friends quietly ask: \u201cPerhaps... afraid?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor thing! So young, a bit naive maybe...\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The disdainful friends shout loudly: \u201cAh! She's daunted!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How pathetic! So tiny, yet ought to carry the flag.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowing, I respond: \u201cMy dear friends,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daunted how? Listen: Manh isn\u2019t \u2018tamed\u2019 yet.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arms crossed, I call: \u201cOh, you mocking gentlemen,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hold your pride, stand still while I reveal many a thing.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With rather provocative, sharp, and caustic words in this poem, we encounter a completely different Manh Manh the poetess. No longer a gentle woman adhering to the standards of the 20th century, she dared to break free from those molds to express her true self. This poem serves as a \"letter\" marking her return to the literary scene after a period of silence. She chose a very novel way of expression for that time. No subtlety, no allusion, she spoke candidly and somewhat bluntly to those who were old-fashioned and unwilling to embrace new ideas. Additionally, she engaged in a fiery debate with Mr. Nguyen Van Hanh at the Saigon Learning Promotion Association on January 9, 1935, about traditional poetry versus New Poetry. Her courageous actions on the literary forum garnered much respect. She was a well-educated woman who dared to stand up, voice her opinions, and defend them to the end. Even in a more progressive era, it was rare to find someone like Manh Manh, who audaciously fought for her beliefs, let alone during her time. Dao Trinh Nhat praised her as \" the first to boldly advocate for New Poetry in Southern Vietnam.\" <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2005, she passed away in Paris, France, leaving behind a legacy of 10 New Poetry poems: \"Visiting the Empty Room\", \"Poetry Sent to Van\", \"Sleepwalking\", \"Late Night\u201d, \"Falling Leaves\u201d, \"Descent\", \"Two Young Ladies\", \"A Letter to All Who Love or Hate New Poetry\", \"A New Poem Sent to Addicts: Madame Lafugie - the Explorer and Artist\", \"Late Night in Xuan Loc\",... Notably, she also wrote a series of travelogues: \"The Journey from South to North\", \"Hanoi, First Impressions\u201d, (Phu Nu Tan Van, October 25, 1934, November 8, 1934, December 13, 1934), \"At the Foot of Ca Pass\", (Phu Nu Tan Van, issue 252, 1934), and many other articles and reports. Throughout her literary career, she catalyzed a new wave in women's journalism and began a new chapter in the history of Vietnamese New Poetry, which was predominantly leaning towards classical Tang poetry.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the tangible values Manh Manh left for literature was her progressive ideas about feminism, her role as a valiant woman who spoke out for her personal beliefs in feminism, societal respect for her advocacy of human rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, Nguyen Thi Kiem's significant contributions have garnered high regard and acclaim, celebrated for taking the initiative in advocating the New Poetry movement, for freedom and liberalism, and representing the progress of contemporary women. Her individualistic efforts in the fight for women's rights to freedom and equality across various domains will continue to live on.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authors: Thu\u00fd Nga, Nguy\u00ean Minh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

N\u1eef s\u0129 Manh Manh – nh\u00e0 v\u0103n, nh\u00e0 b\u00e1o v\u00e0 h\u00e0nh tr\u00ecnh \u0111\u1ee9ng l\u00ean v\u00ec quy\u1ec1n l\u1ee3i ch\u00ednh \u0111\u00e1ng v\u00e0 x\u00f3a b\u1ecf \u0111\u1ecbnh ki\u1ebfn v\u1ec1 ng\u01b0\u1eddi ph\u1ee5 n\u1eef th\u1eddi \u1ea5y, Manh Manh \u0111\u00e3 c\u1ea5t cao ti\u1ebfng n\u00f3i c\u1ed5 v\u0169 n\u1eef quy\u1ec1n: \u201c\u0110\u00e0n b\u00e0 t\u00e2n ti\u1ebfn l\u00e0 \u0111\u00e0n b\u00e0 m\u1edbi, bi\u1ebft \u0111i theo tr\u00e0o l\u01b0u x\u00e3 […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-women-history-vfsa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3611","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3611"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3611\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4611,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3611\/revisions\/4611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3611"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3611"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3611"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}