Empowering Voices
Female NPC deputies from ethnic minority groups stand out
China’s most significant annual political event, known as the Two Sessions, commenced i n Beijing on March 4, bringing together thousands of deputies to the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s top legislature, and members of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, the top political advisory body, from all corners of the country.
The NPC is elected for a term of five years and convenes once a year, usually in March, in Beijing. NPC deputies hold part-time positions and many are ordinary citizens representing diverse professions and regions. During the NPC session, deputies engage in reviewing numerous reports, including the government work report.
On March 5, a group of female representatives of China’s diverse ethnic minorities, standing outside the Great Hall of the People where the NPC deputies assemble, particularly caught the eye of the media.
With China being home to 56 ethnic groups, these deputies come from across the country, and include those serving in the expansive territories of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and others dedicated to the mountainous and riverine landscapes of the southwestern province of Guizhou.
As NPC deputies, they bring genuine perspectives and convey the needs of local people, offering their insights and endeavors in advancing national development, promoting ethnic unity and fostering social progress.
Yang Enlan (Miao ethnic group)
Born in the 1990s, Yang Enlan holds the position of chief of the Plant Protection Station of the Agriculture and Rural Bureau in Liupanshui, Guizhou, where villagers affectionately refer to her as the “guardian of farmland.”
She stood out among the group of NPC deputies due to her striking attire, which was adorned with the colorful embroidery for which the Miao are renowned.
After completing her master’s degree in plant protection at South China Agricultural University, Yang decided to forgo the allure of urban life and instead returned t o her hometown of Liupanshui.
Recognizing that the robust growth of crops forms the bedrock of rural revitalization, she dedicates herself to the prevention and management of pests, diseases and rodents, employing her professional expertise and technological know-how to safeguard crops and ensure food security for the local community.
China’s rural revitalization is a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the economic prosperity, living standards and overall development of rural areas. It is an extension of the country’s poverty alleviation campaign, which had eradicated absolute poverty nationwide by late 2020. This initiative involves efforts to modernize agricultural practices, enhance infrastructure, promote rural industries, improve living conditions and narrow the urban-rural divide.
“I hope to bring the voices of my hometown to the NPC and contribute to agricultural development and rural revitalization,” Yang told Beijing Review.
Currently, her focus is on addressing rodent monitoring challenges in rural regions. Recognizing the substantial damage these pests inflict on crops, she advocates the reinforcement of rodent monitoring stations in rural areas.
“Our aim is to establish a more comprehensive network for rodent monitoring, enabling timely detection and control of infestations to safeguard the hard-earned harvests of villagers,” she emphasized. “As a plant protection professional, it is my commitment to shield the village’s crops and stored grain from harm.”
Looking to the future, Yang is highly optimistic. She expressed a hope increased attention and support would be given to agricultural endeavors, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in advancing the prosperity and resilience of rural communities.