Editor’s Note: This article reflects the views of the author, Suzon Gaborieau, and not necessarily those of CGTN.
In the heart of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, women are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping and developing society. Regardless of their field of expertise, they embody a shared energy: perseverance and dedication to the common good.
The spirit of Mao Zedong’s famous quote, “Women hold up half the sky,” resonates strongly here. In workshops—artistic, mechanical—or in offices, the women of Xinjiang each contribute in their own way to bridging past and future, culture and technology. Their journeys reflect a region in motion, where women’s work is a source of balance, innovation, and inspiration.
During my trip to Xinjiang, I met women whose courage and determination left a lasting impression on me: an engineer repairing trains in a field still largely considered male-dominated, and three young women devoted to preserving the region’s cultural heritage. These encounters opened my eyes to a lesser-known aspect of Xinjiang: the central role women play in modernization, cultural preservation, and collective memory.
In Xinjiang, women are challenging norms. In a noisy workshop in Urumqi, surrounded by rails and wagons, a young engineer proudly explains her daily work: repairing trains that travel thousands of kilometers across China. She is not just a technician—she symbolizes the possibility for women to assert themselves in traditionally male environments, climb the professional ladder, and actively contribute to the region’s economic development.
Further south, at the Kizil Caves site, three other young women are dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage. One manually reproduces cave drawings using natural pigments. Another, a cultural mediator, promotes the site to the public and organizes exhibitions. The third, focused on research, creates digital models of the location. I could feel their passion and their desire to share knowledge about the caves. In their own way, they help protect identity and historical memory. Their commitment shows that culture and history can be powerful tools for women’s empowerment and recognition.
These women face many challenges. Yet their determination remains unwavering. They are living proof that with courage and perseverance, it is possible to transform norms and open new paths for future generations.