Highland barley is the main crop grown in the village of Hongpo, in the Yunling township (part of the Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the Chinese province of Yunan).
Like most villagers, Mrs Ren Zang has been recently very busy with the harvest from her two-acre field. Growing high quality barley is her responsibility, as her husband migrates looking for work, and only comes home once or twice a year.
She also takes care of their cattle, and grows vegetables for home consumption. Her working load is heavy. But she is also part of the local women’s group, and this brings many benefits.
All the members support each other, especially during the busy harvesting season. They also run income-generating activities together (such as growing cabbages and tomatoes in their communal greenhouse), which complement the money they earn individually.
The group also provides a space where women can discuss and exchange ideas. This is not limited to production issues: with the support of CBIK, a local NGO, they also share other concerns, such as those related to their own health and that of their children. Life in Hongpo is hard, but, by working together, women like Mrs Ren Zang feel they are better able to support their families.
Text and photo: Yao Xiaonan
