Late Woman Official Dedicated Herself to Poverty Alleviation

Zhao Yongmei, former president of the Women's Federation of Pengqiao Village in Jiangjin District in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, unfortunately died at 26 from a car accident shortly after inspecting the improvement of living environment in the village on October 17, 2019.

Zhao began working as the president of the Women's Federation of Pengqiao Village in November 2016. To help the village get rid of poverty, she took the responsibility of assisting four impoverished families.

Zhao cared most for Xu Guiying's family, because Xu's granddaughter Qiqi was a child with cerebral palsy and couldn't walk independently.

After Zhao learned of Qiqi's condition, she suggested that Xu should bring her granddaughter to receive rehabilitation treatment since the country has offered free treatment services for this disease. Considering Qiqi's home was far away from the hospital, Zhao contacted another medical institution near Qiqi's home.

With three years' treatment, Qiqi can walk again. Zhao made a poverty alleviation plan for Xu's family and encouraged her to raise chickens and ducks.

"These ducks I raised will be sold for 7,000 yuan (US $1,008) to 8,000 yuan (US $1,152). Unfortunately, Zhao will never see it. What a pity," Xu said sadly.

The four families that Zhao helped have all shaken off poverty. Liu Shiqun, 75, became acquainted with Zhao in the courtyard renovation project in Pengqiao Village. Since the Women's Federation of Jiangjin District carried out the project of constructing the beautiful courtyards, Zhao has been in charge of the project in the village.

She was cautious about the progress of the project and always supervised it on the spot to prevent any mistake. After the renovation was completed, the villagers were grateful for Zhao's contribution.

Zhao suffered from hyperthyroidism and needed a long-term medication, but few colleagues knew about her condition. She was strict with herself but generous to others. Local people loved her and are slow to recover from their grief about her death.  

"I felt very sorry for her and I couldn't sleep when thinking of her. She is only 26 and has two children left," Liu said tearfully.

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