Celebrating Outstanding Women of Past 40 Yrs

In the course of 40 years of reform and opening-up, many women in China have made achievements thanks to their persistent efforts and inspired others to pursue their dreams.

Let's take a look at some of these outstanding individuals and learn more about their lives and many accomplishments.

Zha Jianying [Women Voice]

Zha Jianying 

Zha, a famous writer, has written many outstanding works. She was admitted to Peking University owing to the resumption of the college entrance examination in 1977. This reform changed many students' destinies. 

After graduating, Zha went to the U.S. for further studies and then realized her dream of becoming a writer. 

In her recent popular work Interviews in the 80s, she said people began to pursue the liberation and freedom of human nature, in a more active way, after reform and opening-up.

Gong Li [Women Voice]

Gong Li 

Gong is a well-known actress at home and abroad. She decided to become an actress at 14. 

After failing the national college entrance exam two years in a row. In 1985, Gong was finally accepted to study at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing.

At 22, Gong was discovered by Zhang Yimou and took the lead role in Red Sorghum, Zhang's first film as a director. Gong received international acclaim for her acting debut.

She has witnessed the development of Chinese films and became the first contemporary Chinese actress well-known by foreigners.

Tao Huabi [Women Voice]

Tao Huabi 

Tao is the creator of Laoganma, a popular chili sauce brand at home and abroad.

After her husband passed away, Tao started a small business in order to raise her two children and found huge opportunities when selling bean jelly.

Tao soon founded her company to sell chili sauces nationally. The company's production value reached 50.14 million yuan in 1998 and sales revenue reached 4.5 billion yuan in 2016.

Zhang Huamei [Women Voice]

Zhang Huamei 

Zhang Huamei, then 19, became China's first self-employed businesswoman on December 11, 1980 and was thus written into the history of reform and opening-up.

During her 40 years in business, from founding her own company, and becoming a rich woman engaging in online sales, she has always followed the pace of China's economic development, which helps her improve her life. 

Yang Lijuan [Women Voice]

Yang Lijuan

Yang Lijuan is the COO of Haidilao, a renowned hotpot brand.

After graduating from the junior school, Yang was hired to be a waitress in Haidilao and was later promoted to COO after decades of hard work.

Yang was once regarded as the most outstanding waitress in China. Her experiences have encouraged more women to work hard and make achievements in the workplace.

Dong Mingzhu [Women Voice]

Dong Mingzhu 

Dong is the president of Gree Electric Appliances.

In 1990, she worked as a saleswoman in Gree. In 2001, she was promoted as the general manager owing to her outstanding abilities. She is known for her determination and toughness.

Dong said, only by challenging yourself and making progress can you become the best in the industry; success or failure has nothing to do with gender.

Hu Weiwei [Women Voice]

Hu Weiwei 

Hu is the creator of Mobike, a bike sharing company.

For years, she has insisted on her initial aspiration and striven to make greater contributions to green transport.

Feng Jing [Women Voice]

Feng Jing 

Feng took 52 days and five hours to reach the South Pole from the edge of the Antarctic continent, by skiing 1,130 kilometers. She became the first woman in China to complete this route on January 8 this year.

After graduating from Peking University, Feng worked in a state-owned enterprise. Seven years ago, she resigned, leaving her comfort zone because she aspired to go hiking around the world. 

She spent three years studying skiing and finally achieved her goal of arriving at the South Pole thanks to her persistent efforts.

Zhu Ting [Women Voice]

Zhu Ting 

Zhu is the captain of Chinese women's national volleyball team.

After the Rio Olympics, Zhu was known worldwide for her outstanding performance and was employed to serve for a volleyball club in Turkey. Up till now, she has helped this club win six championships. 

Zhu's great success is inseparable from her diligence, which has inspired her teammates to strive hard. 

These outstanding women have made great contributions to China's growth and were a huge aspiration for the younger generations.

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