Reporter: To you, what are the privileges women get on March 8?

Ms. Quyen: In my opinion, throughout the long history of human social development, there were times when women were not respected, especially in Eastern cultures where sexist ideologies still persist. Therefore, March 8th is the day when women can be honored by the other half of the world, receiving appreciation, love, and acknowledgements that they deserve. Those are the privileges of women on March 8th!

Ms. Bui Ngoc Quyen

Reporter: March 8th is the day when everyone shows their love and appreciation to women. Do you have anything to reward yourself today?

Ms. Quyen: For me, love and gratitude are the greatest gift I hope to receive every day, not only on the 8th of March. To make sure I deserve that gift, I still work hard every day and every hour to earn everyone’s respect. I don’t “reward” myself per se, but I enjoy the respect from my friends and colleagues, along with the love from generations of students I have taught, after constantly striving to improve myself!

Reporter: On International Women’s Day, in your class, would you set a rule in favor of girls to make the lesson more interesting and memorable?

Ms. Quyen: You said girls need to be given more favor on March 8th, meaning they should raise their hands for more exercises, right? I’m just joking. (laughs) But it’s not the 8th of March yet, so let’s keep it a secret for now!

Reporter: As a teacher who has been with Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for many years, you must have received a lot of wishes and gratitude from your students. Can you share a little bit about some of your special memories on this day?

Ms. Quyen: I often feel that I’m very lucky to receive a lot of love from my young friends - my students. I will always hold these profound memories in my heart. There was a celebration of the “hot boys” of English Class 2 year 12-15, organized for me and the girls with homemade pizzas served with restaurant-like excellency and wonderful songs. Or when the old students, after 1 year of me not being their homeroom teacher, suddenly appeared in the class I taught and advised the students in that class to “take care” of me.

Reporter: They were indeed unforgettable memories, weren’t they! Finally, do you have any message or wish to send to the very important half of the world on Women’s Day?

Ms. Quyen: I would like to cite the poem “Fun poetry about the weaker sex” by female poet Xuan Quynh:

“We are the ordinary women of this Earth

Used to ordinary house work everyday

We have no submarines, rockets, or airplanes

And of course no nuclear power

We have only pots, pans, and fire,

And love, and all the lullabies

Since forever, the storks and herons

Still by the bank diligently hunt for food

Life still goes on and on

As the moon rises, as the flowers bloom…

If there be no longer us

Would life remain unchanged

Who would bring you these emotions

Of happiness, sadness and joy

Awaiting you with open arms

After you failed, fatigued

If there were only men on this Earth

They would lack the feelings of love and despise

They wouldn’t fight nor would they do anything

And they would age and meet their fates

Who would give birth to the next generations

For the bloodline to flow with love and songs.”

Women are to cherish, not only on March 8th but on every day of the year. On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, Ams Wide Web’s Editorial Board would also like to send the most sincere wishes to all the beautiful flowers of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School. May all women be always gleeful and happy. Have a memorable holiday!

Translator: Trần Linh Ngân - English 2 2124

Image: Self-provided