HIWC Female Vision Award 2013

September 14, 2013 | 16:00

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Despite some strong contenders, Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, founder and director of ACDC has been announced as the Hanoi International Women’s Club (HIWC) Female Vision Award winner for 2013.

Lan Anh received her award at a special HIWC Coffee Morning at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel on September 13 where a packed crowd of members were awed and inspired by the achievements of ACDC.

Having been born with brittle bone and confined to a wheelchair throughout her life, Nguyen Thi Lan Anh knows first-hand how difficult life can be for people with disabilities living in Vietnam. Despite her initial dream of becoming an English teacher, whilst at university she realised that her calling was to help people with disabilities to live in a barrier free society. This sentiment went on to become the Vision for ACDC (Action to the Community Development Centre) which Lan Anh set up in 2011.

In the two years since its formation, ACDC has undertaken several projects and touched many lives. They currently provide free legal advice to people with disabilities, work to empower young people with disabilities and run their Cactus Blooming programme which focuses on reproductive and sexual healthcare, training and manuals for women with disabilities throughout northern Vietnam.

The HIWC Female Vision Award is given annually to a woman who, through her own efforts takes an idea and turns it into reality. The club celebrates the audacity to dream and the resolve to make that dream come alive. HIWC applauds one particular woman each year who has the willpower and drive to achieve their dream despite many challenges and difficulties. Such women are an inspiration and example to us all.

By By Duc Hanh

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