Serving Grass-roots People

I was born in 1954. In 1975, I was elected director of the women's committee in our village.  In 1993, I was elected director of the villagers' committee in our village. I have organized workers to dig wells, repair roads and build schools in the village. I have helped villagers become well-off, by raising sheep and planting trees.

In 1995, I was invited to attend the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. That was the most magnificent event that I attended in my life. I attended the forum on women's participation in politics. I was the only village official among the participants. The rest of the participants were women officials at the municipal level or higher. Attending the forum was an eye-opening experience for me. I felt that I had a lot to learn to better serve our villagers.

I was excited when Queen Fabiola of Belgium presented the Rural Women Creativity Award and a U.S. $500 bonus to me. As an ordinary rural woman, I felt fortunate to receive such an honor.

In 1997, I was elected a deputy to the Hebei Provincial People's Congress. I have served three terms. As I reflect on my work over the decades, I believe rural women must have the courage and capability to do their best at work, and they should make consistent efforts and take advantage of opportunities to make achievements in their careers. Rural women should also rely on the support of the Party (Communist Party of China) and women's organizations, especially in terms of participation in politics. 

(Women of China)