The "2025 National March 8th Red-Banner Holder" list has been announced, and multiple faculty members and students from the Open University of China (OUC) are among the honourees. These women have dedicated themselves to their work with unwavering commitment, shouldering responsibilities with quiet strength and reflecting their original aspirations through their prime years. They are trailblazers in their respective fields, and boundary-breakers in life. Starting today, let's get to know these exceptional OUC women, listen to their inspiring stories, and witness the radiance they bring.
MA Yinping, Han ethnicity, is a member of the Communist Party of China. She graduated from the 2011 Spring Facility Agriculture Technology programme at Gansu Branch of the Open University of China. She currently serves as Secretary of the Party Branch and Chairwoman of the Women's Federation of Xigouquan Village, Linjing Town, Zhenyuan County, Qingyang City, Gansu Province. In 2026, she was honoured as a "2025 National March 8th Red-Banner Holder." Her awards include "National Model Worker," "Gansu Provincial Model Worker," "Gansu Provincial March 8th Red-Banner Holder," and "Gansu Provincial Successful Female Entrepreneur."
"For rural revitalisation, infrastructure must keep pace with the development, so that villagers can live comfortably, travel conveniently, and live happily." MA said. This is her persistent pursuit of rural construction. Faced with the predicament of poor housing, poor road conditions, and inadequate flood drainage in Xigouquan Village, she made numerous trips to government departments to secure projects, successively obtaining over 20 million yuan in funding. She helped over 200 households complete relocation and dangerous housing renovation, built 28.5 li (1 li equals 500 metres) of village group roads, and paved driveways for 510 households, thoroughly solving road and flood drainage problems. Besides, she secured the gully consolidation and plateau protection project, leading villagers to plant trees on over 300 mu (1 mu is about 0.067 hectares). She installed solar street lights and promoted village-wide natural gas coverage. In 2024, she built a smart car wash centre and renovated the cultural square, continuously enhancing villagers' sense of gain.
In the village, MA is the "close confidant" serving the masses and the "good public servant" who sacrifices herself for the people. As a deputy of the National People's Congress (NPC), she acts as a voice for the people and serves as a responsible adviser. She is an NPC deputy who truly comes from among the people.
MA Yinping bears livelihood matters on her seemingly frail shoulders and carries people's well-being in her heart. In the new era and new journey, with firmer ideals and convictions and stronger sense of responsibility, MA is deeply practicing her solemn pledge: "I will devote all my heart and sweat to the yellow earth of my hometown, and through hard struggle enable fellow villagers to live a happier life."
By Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development
Published: 3 April 2026