When Song Xiuyan was elected governor of Qinghai
in January, she became China’s second female governor since 1949,
after Gu Xiulian, governor of Jiangsu
Province in the 1980s.
Song was born in north China’s Tianjin
Municipality, but at an early age moved to Qinghai Province with
her family and has been working there for decades.
“As a governor, I am entrusted with heavy
responsibilities toward the 5.3 million people of Qinghai. As a
woman, parents are my top priority as the Chinese saying has it
that, of the 100 benefactions, the first is to do one’s filial duty
to one’s parents,” Song said.
She was talking at the ongoing Third Session of
the10th National People's Congress.
How to handle their relationship with their in-laws
is a headache for many wives, but not for Song. Since getting
married, they have lived together. “Everyday when I get home, the
first thing I do is cook. Once, my husband’s father gave me an
apron as a gift. My mother-in-law criticized him, saying I might be
offended. But he explained that he had noticed that I go straight
to the kitchen after work, and he didn’t want me to spoil my
clothes!”
“Of course I am very busy. But I use what time I
have to be with my family.” Song believes the conflict between
career and family shouldn’t stop women from taking political posts,
“As long as you can find solutions, it can actually be an
impetus.”
Women are playing a more important role in the
country’s development. Currently, seven are serving in the top
political leadership, with 16 ministers and vice ministers in the
29 organizations affiliated to the State Council.
Song said the female leader she most admired was
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, because “she not only
has the courage and resolution of a political leader, but also the
tender feelings of a woman.”
“I am not preoccupied with my image, but as
governor I hope I am resolute, courageous and vigorous,” Song said,
adding that she “tempers toughness with gentleness.”
“I wish all the attention I have received would be
given to the beautiful Qinghai. Although I was born in Tianjin,
Qinghai is my second home.”
(China.org.cn by Li Xiao, March 13, 2005)