Undress to Empower: When Pink October Becomes a Tribute to the Power of Women

Undress to Empower: When Pink October Becomes a Tribute to the Power of Women

Every October, the world turns pink as a solemn reminder of an ongoing battle: breast cancer. It’s not only a disease that claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year, but a silent fear that lingers in the lives of millions of women. In Vietnam alone, according to GLOBOCAN 2022, over 21,500 new cases are diagnosed annually, with nearly 9,000 women losing their lives. Behind these cold statistics lie tears, bald heads, surgical scars across the chest, and families on the edge of heartbreak.

Original Vietnamese version available here: Đọc bài viết tiếng Việt

But Pink October is not only about sorrowful figures. It is also a month of hope, resilience, and compassion. Undress to Empower — a programme hosted by NỮ DOANH NHÂN – Businesswoman Magazine and Step in Style, taking place on 13 October 2025 at Kin Hotel Thi Sách Edition — is a heartfelt response to that call, offering a journey of healing, connection, and empowerment.

Undress to Empower

Removing the Layers, Rediscovering Strength

Breast cancer is more than a physical battle — it is a fight against prejudice. Many women face whispers, stares, or even exclusion. Some hide their illness for years, fearing the label of being “less than whole”. It is time we collectively remove this invisible armour.

“Undress to Empower” was born with a guiding thread: Healing – Rebirth – Empowerment. It aims to open conversations around health, emotional wellbeing, and self-worth. Here, personal stories are no longer private sorrows, but shared flames that ignite a broader sense of community strength.

Real Stories, Living Proof

Hong, 34, broke down completely when diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. “I thought everything was over. My hair fell out in clumps, my body changed, and my femininity seemed to vanish. But then I realised — this body had saved me once more. The scar didn’t make me ugly. It made me stronger.” Today, she works as a volunteer, offering strength to newly diagnosed patients through her lived experience.

Lan, 45, went through a painful divorce and job loss. She was emotionally broken. When she found a lump, she nearly gave up. But thanks to the support of the breast cancer community, Lan found the courage to rebuild. “When we tell our story, we don’t just heal ourselves — we empower others,” she shared.

That is precisely what Undress to Empower aims to achieve: turning individual pain into collective proof that women can rise, again and again.

At the event, these stories are expected to be portrayed more vividly through the voices of inspiring speakers. The organisers are currently in discussion and hopeful for the participation of singer Hồng Nhung, who publicly shared her breast cancer journey earlier in 2025 with a moving statement: “When you’re ill, life boils down to just one thing: your health”. If present, her sharing will stand as a powerful testament to courage and unyielding faith. Lan Anh, CEO of Breast Cancer Network Vietnam (BCNV), is expected to offer insights into her journey alongside thousands of women battling breast cancer. The dialogue session will be moderated by Liêu Hà Trinh, with participation from a range of special guests including artists, entrepreneurs, and inspiring women.

Art as a Collective Healing Therapy

The event will feature a Healing Robe Installation, an art piece made from 30 to 50 fabric pieces — each representing a true story from a woman who has faced life-altering challenges. Handwritten notes such as “This scar proves I survived” or “When I let go, I found myself” will form a large ceremonial robe, symbolising collective pride.

In the Story Gallery, ten powerful narratives will be brought to life through voice recordings by MC Liêu Hà Trinh, whose soothing narration will lead listeners through journeys of resilience and rebirth. Each voice affirms: women are never alone in their battle against breast cancer.

From Empathy to Action – A Fundraising Auction

The emotional peak of the event will be a charity auction. Whether it’s a piece of art or a limited-edition item donated by partner brands, each item will be gifted with purpose — not for profit, but for solidarity. All proceeds will go directly to breast cancer support programmes through BCNV, an organisation that has supported thousands of Vietnamese women.

This act reminds us: empowerment isn’t just about words — it’s about concrete action that uplifts real lives.

A Pink October of Deeper Meaning

Pink October has long been a global symbol. In Vietnam, awareness efforts have grown in recent years. But to truly transform Pink October into a meaningful movement, we need more than messages — we need community participation.

“Undress to Empower” aspires to become such a bridge. Not just for women to speak their truths, but for society to truly listen. Not only to inspire hope, but to fund real solutions. Most importantly, to remind each breast cancer patient: you are not alone in this fight.

An Invitation to the Community

On 13 October at Kin Hotel Thi Sách Edition, “Undress to Empower” will be more than just an event. It will be a collective statement for Pink October — a space where women can remove the labels imposed upon them, share their stories, and receive solidarity in return.

A scar can become a medal of courage. A story can shine light into a thousand hearts. A single act of kindness can turn into boundless hope.

Undress to Empower – strip away the burden, reclaim your truth, and together, let us write a Pink October full of love.

EVENT DETAILS

  • Time: 13:30 – 17:30, Monday, 13 October 2025
  • Venue: Kin Hotel Thi Sách Edition, 11A Thi Sách, Sài Gòn Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Organisers: NỮ DOANH NHÂN – Businesswoman Magazine & Step in Style
  • Guest capacity: Limited to 50–80 attendees

Register via:

  • Ms. Thuy Hong – (+84) 908 647 915 – Email: ThuyHTB@nudoanhnhan.net
  • Ms. Khoa Bui – (+84) 908 450 854 – Email: KhoaBK@nudoanhnhan.net
  • Mr. Nam Pham – (+84) 938 938 700 – Email: NamPT@nudoanhnhan.net

ABOUT BUSINESSWOMAN MAGAZINE

Launched in November 2008, NỮ DOANH NHÂN – Businesswoman Magazine has evolved into a comprehensive media ecosystem dedicated to the modern Vietnamese woman. Covering not only business insights but also lifestyle, personal development, and wellbeing, the magazine extends its influence through networking events, inspiring workshops, honouring awards, finance podcasts, and holistic health programmes. With its cross-channel presence — from print and digital to real-life experiences — NỮ DOANH NHÂN – Businesswoman Magazine accompanies Vietnamese women on their journey to create sustainable impact.

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ABOUT STEP IN STYLE

Step In Style (SIS) is a digital magazine and curated lifestyle platform celebrating fashion, beauty, and modern living for a generation that embraces individuality. Beyond digital content, SIS produces high-aesthetic experiences — from curated styling events and art exhibitions to empowering talk shows — aiming to connect Vietnam’s growing community of fashion and lifestyle lovers.

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By MINH NGUYEN

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