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| Craftsmen weave traditional brocade in Xiushan Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing City, on January 23, 2024. [Xinhua] |
CHANGSHA — Harmonious sounds fill the air at a bustling brocade factory in central China's Hunan province. The rhythmic sound of a loom clacking can be heard from one side, and children's laughter can be heard from the other.
Guaiyaomei Tujia, an innovative ethnic brocade factory located in Zhangjiajie City, is pioneering a flexible working environment for rural women. This initiative allows them to balance professional commitments with childcare responsibilities.
In rural areas, mothers often have to make difficult decisions. Should you stay at home to take care of your children or work elsewhere to contribute financially to your family?
The factory in Zhangjiajie, affectionately known as the “mother-friendly factory,” offers an innovative solution to this dilemma.
Gong Ching, who works at the factory, sometimes looks at his 4-year-old daughter with a smile. It is her comfort to see her daughter happily playing with her nearby friends while concentrating on her own work. “My daughter is considerate and she never disturbs me while she is working,” Gong says with pride, adding that her daughter is familiar with loom parts. she added.
Gon started working at the factory eight years ago. When her husband faced the challenge of leaving her alone, she suggested bringing her children to work.
To her delight, the factory welcomed her proposal. Since then, Ms. Gong's son has accompanied her to workshops after school, where she plays with other children while learning and doing homework, creating a transition from her career to home life. Creating a seamless transition.
Mr. Gong appreciates the factory's flexible management, which allows him to flexibly adjust pick-up and drop-off times for his children. “We have dedicated learning and entertainment areas for children in the factory, and we have caregivers on hand, which allows us to concentrate on work,” she said.
Zhang Tiantian, the production site manager, said the factory employs more than 120 women, 80% of whom are mothers with young children. Approximately 50 mothers work with the children year-round.
Tujia's traditional handmade brocade is a famous craft in Zhangjiajie City, one of the five major brocades in China, and boasts a rich tradition. In 2006, it was inscribed on China's first national intangible cultural heritage list.
Despite being initially unfamiliar with tucha weaving, after years of hard work, Gong has become a skilled craftsman and a respected inheritor of tucha weaving. “Working with Tucha brocade has enriched my life, allowed me to watch my children grow up, and find my own value in preserving and passing on our traditions,” Gong said.
To further support children's development, the mother-friendly factory has installed a parent-child cafeteria with nutritious meals, renovated 16 apartments for mothers and children, and organized volunteer-led after-school care. did. “In addition to promoting and improving the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, women can get jobs, increase their income, and provide the best companions for their children,” said a woman in Wulingyuan, where the factory is located. said Hu Xiaoxi, chairman of the federation. It is located.
“Mother-friendly factories will increase the number of jobs available to women and provide them with more platforms to showcase their skills,” Hu added.
(Source: Xinhua)
