Beneath the shade of old mango trees in Bentiu, Vietnamese female soldiers and local women came together for a heartfelt exchange marking International Women’s Day and celebrating the spirit of women across cultures.
African women sing and dance with Vietnamese female soldiers.
Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No. 7 (2.7) on March 7 (local time) organized a civil-military cooperation activity themed “Sharing Love” to mark the 116th anniversary of International Women’s Day (March 8), the 1,986th anniversary of the Hai Ba Trung Uprising and the 33rd anniversary of the traditional day of women in the Vietnam People’s Army.
A small village lying peacefully under the sprawling canopy of old mango trees - silent witnesses to years of conflict and change in Bentiu - felt livelier than usual.
From early morning, women in the village gathered beneath the familiar trees. They met, chatted, danced and shared stories about their lives. For many of them, it was the first time they learned that the world celebrates a day dedicated to honoring women.
In that warm and friendly atmosphere, they sang and danced alongside kind-hearted women from a distant country - Vietnamese female peacekeepers serving with the United Nations mission.
Gift bags bearing the Vietnamese flag presented by Vietnamese peacekeepers to African women and children.
A representative of local women from Nyumdou village expressed gratitude for the presence of Vietnamese Blue Helmets, especially the female soldiers. She shared that during holidays they usually had to travel into town to join celebrations, but this time the Vietnamese soldiers came directly to the village and organized meaningful activities there.
The gathering brought renewed energy to women in the community, encouraging them to feel more confident and active. Many expressed hope that the Vietnamese soldiers would return more often with more meaningful occasions.
During the program, the Level-2 Field Hospital 2.7 presented more than 50 gift packages to women in the village and 15 gifts to children, along with practical supplies for the local community.
Though simple, the gifts carried heartfelt affection and the spirit of sharing from Vietnamese female soldiers.
The peacekeepers also spent time exchanging knowledge about health care, sharing cultural stories and introducing the history and traditions of Vietnamese women - from the indomitable spirit of the Hai Ba Trung sisters to the image of modern Vietnamese women contributing to national construction and defense.
Under the mango trees that have witnessed many turbulent periods in the region’s history, the atmosphere seemed warmer than ever. Bright smiles, hopeful eyes and warm handshakes softened the harsh sunlight and daily hardships.
Symbol of peace and friendship
Women from two countries thousands of kilometers apart bond like friends.
To respond to Ao Dai Week, Vietnamese female soldiers wore the traditional Vietnamese ao dai. In Bentiu, a frontline area affected by conflict, the flowing dresses became a striking highlight.
The soldiers introduced local women and children to the beauty of the Vietnamese ao dai. They took photos together, chatted and captured memorable moments. The graceful dresses fluttering in the African wind were not only a cultural symbol but also a message of peace, friendship and connection between women from two distant lands.
These simple yet meaningful moments continue to spread the image of Vietnamese women in the Vietnam People’s Army - resilient, compassionate and generous - as they carry out the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
At Level-2 Field Hospital No. 7, 13 female personnel are currently serving in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. They come from different units within the Vietnam People’s Army and differ in age, background, expertise and personality.
Yet they share one common bond: they have been entrusted by the nation and the military to undertake the noble international mission of maintaining peace.
Vietnamese female soldiers in ao dai talk with African women.
These women consistently strive to fulfill their professional duties, mastering modern medical equipment and participating in emergency care and health services for peacekeeping forces and local residents.
Within their unit, they also act like sisters, helping build a united and strong collective alongside their comrades.
Level-2 Field Hospital 2.7 consists of 70 personnel selected from military units across Vietnam, with the core force being doctors and medical staff from Military Hospital 175.
In September 2025, Level-2 Field Hospital 2.7 and Engineering Unit No. 4 were deployed to United Nations peacekeeping missions in South Sudan under UNMISS and in the Abyei area under UNISFA.
A Level-2 field hospital is a temporary medical facility capable of rapid deployment in areas with urgent health care needs. To date, Vietnam has deployed seven Level-2 field hospitals.
UNMISS was established in 2011 under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1996. Its mandate is to support peace, promote political stability and long-term economic development in South Sudan while assisting the government in reducing conflict and protecting civilians.
Vietnamnet.vn
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