Hou Yanmei, a sanitation worker and deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), has been championing policies to protect emerging labor groups in east China's Fujian Province and around the country.
As the world celebrates International Women's Day on March 8, female NPC deputies -- comprising over 25 percent of the nearly 3,000 representatives -- are making significant contributions by shaping development strategies, addressing public concerns, and advocating for policies to improve lives.
Hou is among them, and she has quickly emerged as a powerful voice for grassroots workers facing new challenges in a rapidly evolving economy.
In the bustling metropolis of Fuzhou City, Fujian, where millions reside, sanitation workers like Hou and her colleagues are the first to greet the dawn each morning. Having worked in the profession for over a decade, Hou has a deep understanding of the challenges and aspirations of these workers.
"Hou always checks in on us. She cares a lot about our work and lives," said Guo Jian'an, a fellow sanitation worker.
Since being elected an NPC deputy, Hou has leveraged her position to advocate for better treatment of sanitation workers. Her suggestions to improve their working conditions received swift responses from Fujian's local government, leading to the introduction of policies that further protect their legal rights.
But Hou's advocacy extends beyond sanitation. Recognizing the evolving nature of labor in modern cities, she has also proposed measures to safeguard the rights of workers in new business sectors, such as delivery riders, couriers, and ride-hailing drivers.
"During my research, I realized that a city's development not only relies on high-end talent, but also needs the dedication of grassroots workers. Recently, we've seen a surge in delivery riders, couriers, and ride-hailing drivers who urgently need better protection of their rights," said Hou.
Her proposals have gained significant traction, being designated as a key item for follow-up supervision by several national ministries, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.
Reflecting on her achievements, Hou expressed pride in her role as a deputy.
"Seeing my suggestions acknowledged and acted upon is great. I am honored to contribute to safeguarding grassroots workers' rights," she said.
Hou's journey from a frontline sanitation worker to an influential NPC deputy exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and hard work. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to embody the growth and impact of a grassroots representative, proving that ordinary roles can lead to extraordinary change, one step at a time.
Sanitation worker champions grassroots labor rights as NPC deputy
