In order to recognise outstanding women individuals, set examples for the others, and inspire women to cultivate self-respect, confidence, independence, and self-reliance, as well as to encourage them to forge ahead on a new journey and contribute to the new era by actively participating in the modernization of China, the All-China Women's Federation recently held a commemorative event for International Women's Day (March 8th) and an Awards Ceremony in Beijing.

A total of 15 students or graduates from the Open University of China (OUC) system were awarded the “National March 8th Red-Banner Holders”. Let us listen to the inspiring stories behind them.

CHEN Xiaojing, a student majoring in Public Administrative Management (Rural Management) at Yongjia College of Zhejiang Open University, currently serves as Secretary of the General Party Branch, and Director of the Villagers’ Committee in Yuantou Village, Yantan Town, Yongjia County, Zhejiang Province.

A returnee entrepreneur, rural leader, deputy to the NPC, to name just a few…CHEN’s roles have continuously evolved, but what remains unchanged is her commitment to serving the people, and her original aspiration and responsibility to ignite the torch of common prosperity in rural areas. In recent days, she has been busy with the establishment of a coffee base in the village. By seizing new opportunities, she aims to explore a new development path for Yuantou Village.

After conducting another round of research, she recognised the potential for developing a rural coffee base. To this end, she actively engaged with practitioners in the coffee industry in Yongjia. In the past few days, the project of the Yuantou Village Coffee Base has entered the discussion stage, and a contract is about to be signed. CHEN hopes that the implementation of both the camping base and the coffee base will bring a new influx of visitors to the village.

On the journey towards rural revitalisation and common prosperity, CHEN has been keep moving relentlessly and has spared no effort. She is not only a dream maker, but a dream chaser. She has turned the once seemingly unattainable “dream of common prosperity” into reality, thereby illuminating the future of rural areas.

Joint Planned by Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development

Source: Yongjia Release, Zhejiang Rule of Law, Lishui OU, Tongling Women