Chinese Joan of Arc : Qiu Jin - Chinas First Feminist

“Mom,” said Jin, “why can't I go to school like my brother?” “Because you are a girl, and in China a girl does not have the same status as a boy.” “But why?” “This is the law of our ancestors. An illiterate woman is virtuous. Do not forget that only men can read classics, not women. They do not understand such books.” “Mom, why am I not allowed to go out like my brother?” “Because you are a girl and it is the tradition. Girls must be accompanied all the time. They cannot go outside and play freely.” “Mom, why do you want to bind my feet?” “No tiny feet, no husband” “Mom, can a woman repudiate a man?” “No, only women have sins, not men.” “Mom, why can't I eat with my brother?” “Because it is the tradition. At the age of seven years old, a girl is not allowed to eat with boys.” “It is unfair! I wish I could be a boy.” Qiu Jin , born in 1875 to a family in China's upper class, is a determined woman who combats traditions which oppress women in the feudal society (feet binding, polygamy, interdiction of women to do sport, to walk freely and to study). Will she succeed in freeing women from oppression? Discover the true life of Qiu Jin the first chinese feminist. Marie Laure de Shazer is the author of numerous novels and Chinese teaching materials.