Three Chinese women have been named among the FAO's 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development, a global recognition initiative launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Yin Yuzhen, Dong Minfang and Yu Jinxiu were honored at a ceremony on Thursday at the FAO headquarters in Rome as part of this year's World Food Forum.
Sand-control pioneer Yin Yuzhen has spent more than four decades combating desertification in the Maowusu Sandy Land in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. After decades of persistent tree planting, she and her family have transformed stretches of the once-barren landscape into a green expanse, overcoming harsh conditions and shifting sands.
Her story also forged an enduring friendship with retired U.S. teacher Ronald Sakolsky, who raised 5,000 U.S. dollars decades ago to support her afforestation work.
"I will dedicate my own efforts to continue the shelterbelt program in northeast, north, and northwest China. With an indomitable spirit, I will help make our skies bluer, our lands greener, our waters clearer, and our world a more beautiful place," said Yin, a national role model worker, and the president of Maowusu Forestry Industry Association in north China's Ordos City.
Dong Minfang is president of the Fengrui Agricultural Machinery Professional Cooperative in Yueyang County, central China's Hunan Province, and Yu Jinxiu is a moxibustion therapist from Qichun County in central China's Hubei Province. They have spent years sharing their expertise to help thousands of people secure jobs and start businesses, raising incomes for rural residents.
"Standing on this international stage is a recognition of Chinese women. I hope to continue working in the fields, helping people in my hometown further develop modern agriculture and sharing the stories of Chinese women in rural communities with the world," said Dong Minfang, chairperson of Fengrui Agricultural Machinery Professional Cooperative of Runsheng Rice Farming Cooperative in Yueyang County.
"When I return home, I hope to expand our training system for rural artisans and help more local people develop their skills and increase their incomes. I also want to create more job opportunities so they can realize their full potential and improve their livelihoods," said Yu Jinxiu, practitioner and promoter of Qichun moxibustion therapy.
Launched by the FAO to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, the global initiative recognizes 100 women for their outstanding contributions to agriculture, food systems and rural development.
The FAO said it received 609 nominations from 131 members. The selection process involved an eligibility review, an assessment, and ranking by senior management, and two rounds of deliberations.
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to highlight women's contribution to agrifood systems and promote policies and investments that improve their access to finance, knowledge and services.
Three Chinese women honored among FAO's 100 Women Heroes
