"This is my breeding farm. It has more than 120 chickens, 30 ducks and three pigs. The biggest pig weighs over 90 kilograms," said Liu Meizhen, indicating the secrets behind her newfound riches.

Liu, 54, lives in Banluan Village in Hechi City, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. She moved away from a life on benefits and became a well-known livestock breeding expert and member of the executive committee of the village's women's federation.

Liu lost her husband in an accident 20 years ago. At that time, she had to live with her two sons in a dark and humid mud house that was exposed to the wind and rain. To make ends meet, she asked her relatives to take care of her children and went out to work.

In 2015, the village became a recipient of pairing-up support from the Women's Federation of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Pan Yan, a cadre of the federation, was assigned to help Liu. Pan visited Liu many times and encouraged her to escape poverty by joining breeding industry. The two became close friends.

As policies of housing renovation, poverty alleviation through education and industrial awards were implemented, Liu applied for a loan of 50,000 yuan (US $7,346) to develop the breeding business. 

Pan funded two tons of cement to help Liu harden the ground in her farm. Huang Lei, first secretary of the village from the autonomous region's women's federation, also helped her get opportunity 
to take training courses.

"I have an ambition in my heart and I will make it!" said Liu, who threw herself into chicken and duck breeding. Because of the high quality of the poultry, she accrued a steady stream of customers, and the breeding scale was further expanded. 

Coupled with her family's efforts, Liu finally got rid of poverty and she had more expectations in 
her life. Her family built a two-story building at the roadside. 

As Banluan Village shakes off poverty, people's cultural life is improving. Liu has never forgotten the care she received from the women's federation. She took an active part in various activities held by the federation and became a member of its executive committee.

Serving as a leader of a local performing arts group and an environmental protection team, 
Liu often leads her fellow sisters to go square dancing and carry out cleaning and sanitation work.

Liu organizes regular sanitation checkup and appraisals. "Families who do well in keeping the environment clean will get a floating red flag," she said.

Meanwhile, Liu and her team members often perform in surrounding villages, bringing revolutionary performances to the villagers. "I want to express my gratitude to the Party through singing," Liu said.

Liu also encouraged her son and daughter-in-law, who are disabled, to work hard.  She believes that one can surely make money to support their family with vision, hard work and perseverance. "The government has offered us so many favorable policies and great support. It's time for us to help ourselves," said Liu.

(Source: China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China)