Journey of Dreams: The Path to Independence for a Xinjiang Girl

The journey to Kashgar was full of memorable moments, with one of the most touching being our visit to Tursonay Nurmemet, a student from Zepu Vocational School. Located at the border of Zepu and Yecheng, her home is the farthest from Zepu’s center, about 40 minutes away by car. With the help of her teacher, Nurmanguli, we had an in-depth conversation with her mother. We learned that traditional views still restrict women’s roles in Xinjiang, affecting their career independence and development.

Through the JOBB project, we aim to help these women find their voice and carve their own paths to independence.

Family Expectations

Tursonay is the only daughter in her family, and her parents firmly support her in learning skills for independent growth. "In our area, women are still quite dependent on men," her mother said calmly. "We only have this one daughter, and we don't want her to depend on a man. If she gets married and is bullied, she has no siblings to support her." Her mother, who has a slight disability, and her father, who works away from home, faced financial strain after her grandfather's illness. The family hopes Tursonay's culinary skills from vocational school will enable her to achieve economic independence, even after marriage.

Tursonay's Dream

Currently a high school junior at Zepu Vocational School, studying culinary arts, Tursonay has always loved making pastries. Initially, she wanted to open a grocery store with a small restaurant in her village. After learning about the JOBB project, her dream expanded slightly. She hopes to specialize in baking through JOBB’s training and open a larger store in her hometown. After the second round of online interviews for JOBB, she cried, feeling she had performed poorly, showing how much she values this opportunity. Having never traveled beyond Kashgar, she is both nervous and excited about the chance to study in Shanghai, encouraged by her family, school, and JOBB teachers.

Hope for Xinjiang Women

Influenced by traditional views, many Xinjiang women have long played subordinate roles in their families and society. However, with the progress of the times and the spread of education, more women are recognizing their value and potential. The Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the Ruifeng Vocational Empowerment (JOBB) Special Fund provide public vocational skills training for more women, helping them achieve economic independence, improve their social status, and change their life trajectories.

Tursonay's story is a reflection of many Xinjiang women's pursuit of autonomy, strength, and independence. Through the JOBB project, we hope they gain not only a skill but also the courage and belief to rewrite their life’s chapters.