Xinjiang Vocational Training Centers: Helping females gain respect and self-reliance

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With women among the biggest victims of extremist ideology, educational and vocational training centers in northwestern China are helping them gain a new lease on life. Providing shelter and job training, the centers help steer victims in a new direction. CGTN's Sun Tianyuan has the story.

Guzailinuer Aishan has become a cosmetics expert at a vocational training center in Hotan. When asked what she's most proud of, the future make-up artist said (the following).

GUZAILINUER AISHAN TRAINEE "Eyebrows, eyes, and my skin."

Under the influence of extremism, Aishan was forced to wear conservative clothes to cover her body. She said if she didn't, people around her would point fingers.

GUZAILINUER AISHAN TRAINEE "Why can't I just be a real woman? Why must I wear a big black robe? As a female, I have the right to look pretty and choose what to wear."

Angry over facing judgment and intimidation, Aishan decided to help more women take action against such stereotypes.

GUZAILINUER AISHAN TRAINEE "I helped my peers look pretty, helped them to be fashionistas. When I graduate from here, I want to open a beauty salon to teach more people."

Many were forbidden to work by extremist doctrines. Now with the skills and knowledge they have learned at the centers, female trainees will prove that women can be just as self-reliant as men.

"I learned legal knowledge and Chinese here. I will find a stable job and have a family after graduation. It's better for my children this way."

Humagu Abudu graduated from a similar center in Kashgar. She is now working at a local clothing factory. Before this, the 19-year-old was going to marry a man she had never met.

HUMAGU ABUDU GRADUATED TRAINEE "I was told that a woman must obey her husband and her parents."

But realizing her to-be husband was an extremist, Abudu drew the line.

HUMAGU ABUDU GRADUATED TRAINEE "Our children would have been infected with extremist ideology. How can children grow up normally if their parents are extremists?"

Fortunately, the young woman turned to help in time. She said life is much better after coming to study at the center.

HUMAGU ABUDU GRADUATED TRAINEE "If I hadn't come here, I would have become my fiance's breeding tool, with no freedom or hope, not to mention missing out on a modern society like this."

Earning confidence and respect through education and jobs, trainees will live free of chauvinism and extremism. STY, CGTN.