Half a Century of Friendship Revived Through Stories of Female Heroes

The 'Army of Long Hair (Ejército de Cabellos Largos)' photo exhibition, which opened at the Women's Museum in Mexico City, is drawing attention as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification and the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Mexico diplomatic relations. This exhibition highlights the achievements of female independence fighters who fought against U.S. forces and the South Vietnamese regime during the Vietnam War, serving as an occasion to reaffirm the historical solidarity between the two nations.

The opening ceremony was attended by Alicia Girón González, Director of the Asia, Africa, and Oceania Studies Program at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and Nguyen Van Hai, Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico.

Victory Achieved Against Overwhelming Odds

The exhibition documents through photographs the struggle of Vietnamese women who defeated U.S. forces despite overwhelming weapon inferiority. Vietnam's reunification was achieved on April 30, 1975, and on May 9 of the same year, the two countries established diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Nguyen emphasized that "Vietnam and Mexico share many commonalities, including thousands of years of history, unique cultural identities, rich food cultures, and beautiful landscapes," adding that "the role of women is increasingly respected in the political and social life of both countries."

Expanding Cooperation from Politics to Economics

Director Girón called for strengthened cooperation on international stages such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO), stating that "in a world full of uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, the collective voice of countries like Mexico and Vietnam is needed more than ever."

She assessed that "the relationship that began 50 years ago with political ties has now developed into a strategic and dynamic partnership," adding that they have "become close companions connected by common aspirations for development, social justice, and a more equitable international order."

Women as the Central Pillar of National Development

Director Girón evaluated that Vietnamese women have played a pivotal role from the independence struggle to national reconstruction and leadership in innovation processes. She emphasized that Mexico has also seen women's contributions in all fields—academia, science, culture, politics, and business—as essential to national development.

Ambassador Nguyen stated that "women have played a special role throughout Vietnamese history," adding that "this is recognition of the dedication of heroic women who have achieved excellent results in both national affairs and household work." He added that women currently hold important positions in government, parliament, organizations, and businesses in both countries, symbolizing a humanistic, equal, and democratic society.

Implications for South Korea

The 50-year partnership between Vietnam and Mexico demonstrates a model of South-South cooperation based on historical empathy. South Korea has also maintained close economic relations with Vietnam since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992, and cooperation with Mexico is expanding in areas such as electric vehicle batteries and semiconductors.

In particular, the 'role of women' highlighted in this exhibition resonates with South Korea's discussions on low birth rates and gender equality. It delivers a message that reevaluating women's contributions as a central pillar of national development and institutionally guaranteeing their political and economic participation is directly linked to long-term national competitiveness.