Yakult Lady - a flexible job for women raising young children

The Yakult Lady role at Yakult Viet Nam is chosen by over 2,700 women for its income and time flexibility while caring for children.

Originating in Japan, the Yakult Lady program launched in Viet Nam in 2007 and now involves over 2,700 women nationwide. The brand offers employment opportunities for women through direct product distribution to customers within their assigned areas.

New Yakult Ladies receive training and guidance, with no prior experience required. Flexible working hours allow them to manage their schedules according to personal circumstances. According to a brand representative, these factors help the program attract women with young children or those who paused their careers to care for family.

Ton Kim Ngoc, a Yakult Lady at the Hoa Thanh store in Tay Ninh, shared that her previous job often required her to leave early and return late. Since becoming a Yakult Lady, her work hours are more flexible, enabling her to balance family time. "At lunchtime, I can even arrange to go home and cook for my children", Ngoc said.

Kim Ngoc has lunch with her children. *Photo: Yakult Viet Nam*

Beyond time flexibility, income is a key factor for women with families when choosing a job. Before becoming a Yakult Lady at the Hai Chau store in Da Nang, Vo Thi Ky My Duyen sold soybean milk near her home. That job often extended late into the evening, with unstable earnings dependent on customer numbers and weather.

After transitioning to her current role, she noted that her income is more stable due to increased customer awareness. "My income is more stable than before. Now I feel secure in managing my life and have more motivation and long-term goals", Duyen stated.

My Duyen (in white shirt) delivers products to customers in her assigned area. *Photo: Yakult Viet Nam*

Many women participating in the program overcome self-doubt, proactively re-entering the job market after dedicating time to family care at home. Lam Thi Thu Trang, a Yakult Lady at the Hau Giang store in TP HCM, shared that training, guidance, and support from management and colleagues have boosted her confidence and assertiveness in external interactions.

Trang receives guidance and support from her store manager during work. *Photo: Yakult Viet Nam.*

Associate Professor Doctor Tran Thanh Nam, Principal of the University of Education, Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi, observed that in Eastern culture, women often simultaneously manage family and financial responsibilities. Furthermore, returning to the labor market after a break can be a challenge for many women.

He also shared: "Among women who take three to five years off for maternity leave or homemaking, up to 80% are very reluctant to return to the labor market, even when job opportunities are available".

According to Hiroshi Ueno, Deputy General Director of Yakult Viet Nam Company Limited, the impact of the Yakult Lady program extends beyond creating an additional job option, offering time flexibility, and maintaining income. It also helps a segment of women better balance family responsibilities and career aspirations. Additionally, it strengthens the relationship between Yakult Ladies and their customers.