A variety of cultural programmes kicked off this week in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate International Women's Day, March 8.

A painting exhibition opened at the city's Women Cultural House on March 2, featuring the latest collections of female artists from art clubs in HCM City and southern provinces. Dozens of colour paintings that portray the beauty of women are featured.

Seminars and forums that highlight the work and success of Vietnamese women in modern life are launched every day.

Dozens of specialists in health care, beauty, and marriage and family problems were invited deliver talks.

Dam Sen Park will co-host a festival called Women on Fame Day on March 7-8, offering various music and dance programmes, traditional games and sport competitions for women and their family.

Veteran and young performers will sing and dance in praise of women.

Local authorities have visited and presented gifts to heroic mothers who fought for the country's independence.

Women with high achievements in business and art have also been honoured.

A special exchange called Nu Du Kich Cu Chi (The Legend of Cu Chi Female Guerrillas) was organised by the HCM City Television and its partners at the city's Labour Culture Palace last weekend.

The event featured five woman guerrillas of Cu Chi district, such as Tran Thi Gung, Cao Thi Huong, Vo Thi Mo, who shared their glorious victories during the country's struggle for national liberation and sovereignty.

Writer Ma Thien Dong introduced her latest book focusing on Cu Chi female guerrillas titled Huyen Thoai Long Dat (Underground Legend) at the event.-VNA