Amid the rhythmic hum of sewing machines at Jiangxi A+ New Star Enterprise Co, based in Pingxiang, East China's Jiangxi province, Wang Huaping meticulously stitches ski boot uppers.

Alongside her working tools, a white sewing machine, stacks of black coils and a blue basket, a pink notebook thick with colleagues' concerns now sits, embodying her dual role as a skilled shoemaker and a grassroots deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC).

She has become a beacon of inspiration for women in local rural areas through her unwavering dedication and advocacy efforts.

Despite prior training in sewing techniques, Wang faced challenges when she was first tasked with the intricate craft of shoe upper fabrication. Determined to master the technique, she tackled the complexities with diligence and perseverance.

"I may not have a diploma, but I know skills are crucial. Mastering skills is the key to living a better life," she said.

Wang's success comes from both hard work and a commitment to innovation. Due to the rigidity of ski boot uppers and high production costs, she collaborated with her colleagues in a team, tirelessly experimenting to adapt stiff materials to machine processes.

Leveraging her extensive sewing experience, Wang discovered the delicate balance required in machine operations, which contributed to the production of high-quality products, including ski boots worn by champions at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Originating from a rural background dominated by sectors such as logging, coal mining and pyrotechnics, Wang's hard work has not only transformed her own life but also inspired others to strive for a better future through skill development and entrepreneurship.

"Women can hold up half the sky," she said.

"I am just an ordinary woman from the countryside, and I hope that my experience can tell more rural women that as long as they work hard, they can lead a better life with their own hands. By developing local specialty industries and small businesses, more job opportunities will be created for rural women."

Recognized by her peers as a proactive individual always ready to lend a helping hand, Wang embodies the spirit of community support and knowledge sharing.

As an NPC deputy, she illuminates the path for others, offering her expertise and skills to empower rural women and foster economic independence.

Through her field research, Wang identified a lack of viable employment opportunities for rural women, prompting her to champion initiatives aimed at bolstering local industries and fostering rural vitalization.

Her collaborative efforts with fellow deputies led to suggestions calling for central tax benefits to support industry transformation and upgrading in key regions.

"The duty and mission of being an NPC deputy urge me to constantly strive to become a light, illuminating the path for those around me," Wang said.

As a vocal advocate for vulnerable groups, Wang's dedication to amplifying the voices of the people she represents underscores her commitment to addressing real-world challenges and proposing practical solutions.

During her interactions with farmers, she learned about the challenges they face in the process of farming and breeding. While chatting with workers and business owners, she did her best to understand their needs regarding industrial development and policy environment.

Her suggestions on increasing financial support for post-poverty alleviation programs and reasonable allocation of resources in rural development demonstrated her commitment to inclusive and sustainable progress in rural communities.

Wang's journey from a skilled shoemaker to a dedicated advocate for rural female empowerment epitomizes the transformative power of dedication, innovation and community engagement, inspiring a brighter future for all.

Wang Huaping, a deputy to the National People's Congress, works in her workshop at Jiangxi A+ New Star Enterprise Co in Pingxiang, East China's Jiangxi province. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Ding Zizhe contributed to this story.