Exploring Women's Empowerment through Biogas technology in Hue City, Vietnam

To broaden and develop the professional skills of our team members and widen their scientific network and cultural experiences, the BRT encourages its students to embark on internships. These internships are connected to their scientific journey and enable them to have in field experiences which is critical to their future careers. The internships help to hone their communication, time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills, all of which are highly valued assets in young scientists.

Our PhD student, Hidayatul Fitri, shares her insights from her internship experience in Hue City, Vietnam, where she explored women's empowerment through the use of biogas plants.

Enjoy reading as she takes you on her internship journey!

My name is Hidayatul Fitri – I am a PhD student within the Biogas Research Team of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. My interests lie in sustainable technology and exploring the intersections where innovative technology meets the daily life of farmers. During the summer of 2023, I embarked on an internship to the vibrant city of Hue in central Vietnam to broaden my horizons, explore new perspectives, challenge myself, and gain experience through real world application. Throughout my three-month internship I had the incredible opportunity to see both the social dynamics of daily life and the rich cultural heritage and nature of Hue itself. I focused on the lives of local farmers working with biogas plants, particularly emphasizing women's involvement in this field. I also enjoyed exploring the more remote areas of the country, making sure not to skip the landscapes, including Thien Mu Pagoda (a fascinating ancient pagoda) and culinary delights such as Bun bo Hue and Banh ep, which can only be found in this city.

Understanding the role of women in biogas production

Visiting rural villages allowed me to witness the blending of tradition and technology as families incorporated biogas technology into their daily lives. Through my interactions with local farmers who uses biogas plants, I got a chance to see how this new technology can bring positive impacts, particularly for women. Biogas technology provides women with technical skills and empowers them with leadership and management experience. I was able to see this firsthand when I interviewed the inspiring women and learned about how they manage livestock and utilize biogas for daily cooking.

Blending with culture and nature in Hue

What fully rounded out the internship experience in Vietnam was my integration into the local biogas producers' community and society. The warmth, hospitality, and eagerness of the villagers to share traditional practices with me created unforgettable memories and stories. I was also able to experience traditional rituals like going to the temple in beautiful traditional Vietnamese dress called Ao dai. My weekends in the city were often spent exploring the famous UNESCO world heritage sites, including the Imperial city of Hue, and escaping to indulge in the panoramic views.

Overall, my internship in Hue City was a transformative journey into the lives of local biogas producers, especially women. Every aspect of the cultural landscape contributed to my deeper understanding of the community I was studying. It served as the perfect backdrop for my journey, blending my research, cultural exploration, and personal growth. As I reflect on this experience, it is evident that biogas production as a sustainable practice not only contributes to environmental conservation but also provides stimulation for positive social change.

Stay tuned for more exciting BRT internship journeys from all over the world!