While China has seen a lot of change since the founding of the republic, Confucianism is still an important influence on Chinese culture. Its thoughts on people’s roles, societal harmony and appropriate behaviour still shape the majorities values. So strong is the tradition that even the younger generations, despite adopt modern living and constant exposure to western ideas, remain deeply traditional. In a culture where conflict is disapproved of and unity and conformity valued over individual thought standing up for your own beliefs takes unusual courage.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, these true stories are of two ordinary but remarkable women who have made life altering choices to follow their own belief despite the pressure of family, the authorities and the system.
The first is a young single woman who decided to continue with an unplanned pregnancy at a time where the country still had a one child policy.
The second is a woman who gave up her restaurant to dedicate her life to the saving of endangered animals and birds.