Viet Nam is not like the West, where both men and women usually share the domestic chores, such as cooking, cleaning and washing. Here, women do all the household work - and then have to do extra jobs to earn money to pay for the ever increasing cost of living.
When Vietnamese men finish work, they usually enjoy a beer with their friends or go home and read newspapers or watch TV.
Nguyen Thi Xuyen from Ha Noi's Hoan Kiem District works for an insurance company. After she had her first child, she opened a flower shop to earn extra money.
"Due to economic difficulties, the company she works for had to cut costs and pay levels, forcing me to open the shop to help support my family. In addition, my husband earns only VND3 million (US$143) per month," said Xuyen.
"But I first had to spend many hours learning how to arrange flowers and the various styles in different countries so that I could satisfy customers. I also had to seek flower sellers in production areas such as Da Lat so that I buy wholesale."
After work, despite being tired, I have to look after my child and sell flowers until late at night. Fortunately, I make an extra VND4 or 5 million ($190-240) a month, so my family is now OK," said Xuyen.
She said when she was young, she supported her mother doing such things as husking peanuts to earn extra.
Even professionals can feel the pinch. Dr Duong Minh Nguyet at Bach Mai Hospital can earn an extra living by opening a consulting room at home and write newspaper articles.
Nguyet said she had to ask her family for help.
"I tell them clearly about my work and my health. They say they are happy to share the load. My husband always says I should place importance my health first before doing these things," said Nguyet.
Social psychology worker Nguyen Trung Hoa from the Ha Noi Centre for Family Planning and Social Issues, said Vietnamese women traditionally were responsible for supporting their families.
During the war, the Government launched the "three responsibilities" movement in which Vietnamese women assumed responsibility for domestic work, economic production and fighting in the men's place when necessary.
Despite the fierce war and hardships, they fulfilled their tasks and contributed to national victory. Now many women not only support their families, but also are owners of big companies, said Hoa.
Nguyen Thi Xuyen from Ha Noi's Hoan Kiem District works for an insurance company. After she had her first child, she opened a flower shop to earn extra money.
"Due to economic difficulties, the company she works for had to cut costs and pay levels, forcing me to open the shop to help support my family. In addition, my husband earns only VND3 million (US$143) per month," said Xuyen.
"But I first had to spend many hours learning how to arrange flowers and the various styles in different countries so that I could satisfy customers. I also had to seek flower sellers in production areas such as Da Lat so that I buy wholesale."
After work, despite being tired, I have to look after my child and sell flowers until late at night. Fortunately, I make an extra VND4 or 5 million ($190-240) a month, so my family is now OK," said Xuyen.
She said when she was young, she supported her mother doing such things as husking peanuts to earn extra.
Even professionals can feel the pinch. Dr Duong Minh Nguyet at Bach Mai Hospital can earn an extra living by opening a consulting room at home and write newspaper articles.
Nguyet said she had to ask her family for help.
"I tell them clearly about my work and my health. They say they are happy to share the load. My husband always says I should place importance my health first before doing these things," said Nguyet.
Social psychology worker Nguyen Trung Hoa from the Ha Noi Centre for Family Planning and Social Issues, said Vietnamese women traditionally were responsible for supporting their families.
During the war, the Government launched the "three responsibilities" movement in which Vietnamese women assumed responsibility for domestic work, economic production and fighting in the men's place when necessary.
Despite the fierce war and hardships, they fulfilled their tasks and contributed to national victory. Now many women not only support their families, but also are owners of big companies, said Hoa.
