A group of Shenzhen workers selected by Time magazine as runner-up for Person of the Year 2009 on behalf of Chinese workers have set up a free consultancy center for female workers.
Xiao Hongxia, Qiu Xiaoyuan, Huang Dongyan, Li Chunying and Deng Tao shot to fame after Time published their photos Dec. 16, 2009. Now they wanted to use their newly acquired influence to help the underprivileged, said Xiao, the only full-time staff member at the center. The other four work on weekends.
The center offers free consultancy services in sex discrimination, work safety, health, women protection and career improvement.
Xiao was a workshop director with a monthly salary of 3,000 yuan (US$456) before she quit the job for the center. She now earns a little more than 1,000 yuan.
Xiao said she saw many problems facing female workers. Married female workers often had difficulties handling family relationship and children s education, while single girls dared not see doctors for gynecological diseases. I want to help the suffering sisters with my own experience and knowledge.
Xiao said the center was in urgent need of volunteers specializing in law, health, and work safety.
(By Helen Deng)
