A groundbreaking social enterprise is creating transformative pathways for rural women across China by combining vocational training with cultural preservation. Spearheaded by Dr. Chen Qiong, a dedicated scholar and women’s rights advocate, the organization Yichuang has developed a sophisticated framework addressing the distinct needs of different age demographics in underserved communities.
The initiative operates through a dual-program structure targeting women aged 18-45 and 45-65 respectively. The younger cohort receives comprehensive beauty industry training through the ‘Beauty for Better Life’ program—a decade-old initiative providing skills in cosmetics, hairstyling, and related services. This 20-day intensive training enables participants to secure local employment with monthly earnings averaging 3,000 yuan ($421), allowing them to maintain family stability while achieving financial independence.
For mature women who have completed their child-rearing responsibilities, Yichuang offers an elderly care program that transforms traditional caregiving roles into professional opportunities. Participants learn to provide essential services to seniors in their communities, particularly those whose children have migrated for work. The program includes daily wellness checks, weekly safety inspections, and bi-weekly practical support including accompaniment to medical appointments.
Operating in hundreds of counties across China, with particular focus on rural revitalization regions like Hebei and Henan provinces, as well as less developed western areas including Shaanxi and Guizhou, the organization conducts approximately 40 classes annually with 40 participants each. The model relies on strategic partnerships with local organizations and female entrepreneurs who receive resources and financial support gathered from government agencies and foundations.
Dr. Chen’s inspiration emerged during her graduate studies at Central China Normal University in 2005, where mentor Liu Xiaohong’s work on rural women’s political participation ignited her commitment to women’s empowerment. After completing her doctorate, she recognized the critical disconnect between grassroots initiatives and policy implementation, leading her to establish Yichuang in 2017 as a bridging platform.
The organization maintains rigorous follow-up procedures spanning six to twelve months post-training, ensuring skills translation into sustainable economic opportunities. Through transparent monitoring systems and accountability measures, Yichuang addresses challenges such as potential exploitation by local partners, ensuring the program’s integrity remains intact.
Beyond economic impacts, participants report improved family dynamics, enhanced educational outcomes for children, and stronger community bonds. The initiative demonstrates how women’s development can simultaneously advance personal fulfillment, family wellbeing, and broader social progress, creating a holistic model of rural empowerment that honors cultural values while embracing economic opportunity.