Workers inspect the quality of Tujia ethnic brocade products at the Guaiyaomei Tujia brocade factory in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, on Nov 12, 2023. [Wu Yongbing/Xinhua]

CHANGSHA — Inside a busy brocade factory in Hunan Province, an unusual blend of sounds fills the air. One side of the factory resonates with the rhythmic click-clack of looms, while the other echoes with children's laughter.

Nestled in the city of Zhangjiajie, the Guaiyaomei Tujia ethnic brocade innovation factory has arranged flexible working for the women who work there.

The initiative has enabled them to balance their professional commitments with childcare.

Mothers often have a tough decision in rural areas — whether to stay home to nurture their children or work elsewhere to contribute financially.

The brocade factory in Zhangjiajie has been endearingly nicknamed the "mother-friendly factory".

Gong Qin, a worker at the factory, occasionally glances over at her 4-year-old daughter with a smile. It brings her comfort to see her child playing with friends nearby while she focuses on her tasks.

"My little girl is considerate and never disturbs me during work," Gong said with pride.

Gong began working at the factory eight years ago, and when faced with the challenge of her husband working away from home, she proposed bringing her children to work.

To her delight, the factory welcomed her proposal. Since then, Gong's son has accompanied her to the workshop after school, where he and other children engage in playful learning and complete their homework, creating a seamless transition from work to home life.

Gong appreciates the factory's flexible management, which allows for adaptable child pick-up and drop-off times. "There's a dedicated area in the factory for our children's learning and entertainment, staffed with caregivers. It enables me to focus on my work," she said.

Zhang Tiantian, a manager at the factory, said it employs over 120 women, with 80 percent being mothers with young children. Around 50 mothers work alongside their children year-round.

The Tujia traditional handmade brocade, a renowned craft in Zhangjiajie and one of China's five major brocades, boasts a rich heritage. In 2006, it earned a place on China's inaugural national list of intangible cultural heritage.

Despite being initially unfamiliar with Tujia brocade, Gong has become a master artisan and an esteemed inheritor of the craft after years of hard work. "Working with Tujia brocade enriches my life, allowing me to be present in my children's growth and find self-worth in preserving and passing on our heritage," she said.

To further support children's development, the mother-friendly factory has established a parent-child canteen with nutritious meals, renovated 16 apartments for mothers and children, and organized volunteer-led after-school care.

"In addition to promoting and improving the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, women can provide the best company for their children by getting employed and increasing their incomes," said Hu Xiaoxi, head of the women's federation of Wulingyuan District, where the factory is located.

"The mother-friendly factory increases the number of jobs available to women and provides them with more platforms to showcase their skills," Hu added.

(Source: Xinhua)