In 2019, Zhang Wenlan, who lives in Xiazhuang Village, Jishishan County, in Northwest China's Gansu Province, saw her life change for the better.

A few years ago, Zhang, like most women in rural areas, did farm work with her family members. Working so hard throughout the year, she could only live from hand to mouth.

Later, Zhang did several jobs in cities, such as picking cotton in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and working in factories in cities in southern China. No matter what job she did, she felt rootless and still couldn't save much money.

Things are different now. Zhang has a stable job in her hometown at an outdoor-clothing processing factory operated by a local company, which helps local people shake off poverty. The factory is a large-scale outdoor clothing processing enterprise introduced by the Party committee and government of Jishishan County.

"I applied for the job immediately after seeing the factory's recruitment information in March 2019. I believed the factory was trustworthy, so I signed the employment contract then," Zhang said.

"I worked in the factory from the first day of its opening. By September, I was promoted to a team leader of the third sewing group," Zhang said.

Her current life is much more stable than her working days in the past. She said that thanks to the job, she can live a stable life in her hometown and have a steadily increasing wage.

From a frontline worker to a middle-level administrator, Zhang now earns a salary of more than 2,900 yuan (US $419.93) per month. She will get additional rewards and benefits at the end of the year. Having a satisfying job and being able to take care of her family, Zhang feels fulfilled every day.

Zhang's best friend Zhang Yaqin also works in her group at the factory. She can earn more than 2,800 yuan (US $405.45) a month working on waterproof heat-stitching.

Shi Wenxia, who comes from a registered impoverished household in Huiguang Village, Jishishan County, began working in the company in March 2019. She is responsible for employee induction training, payroll, and the work of the company's labor union and women's federation. She earns a monthly salary of 3,000 yuan (US $434.41).

The factory has 210 employees, 76 of them from impoverished households, said Chen He, manager of the administrative department of the company.

Impoverished villagers in Jishishan have opportunities to get employment and earn income in their hometown. By offering jobs to rural women and housewives in the village and equipping them with industrial skills, the factory plays a role in lifting them out of poverty.

"Our workers are very excellent, diligent and intelligent. I have full confidence in them and I can see the bright future ahead," Chen said.  

(Source: China Youth/Translated and edited by Women of China)