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I was born into a Chinese family with strong traditional values, where a preference for boys was deeply ingrained. In the late 1980s, as a girl with a disability, I faced many challenges. My mother was ostracized by the family after giving birth to a child with a disability. Many people tried to persuade her to give me up and send me to an orphanage instead of school. However, my mother resolutely rejected all this persuasions and insisted on my right to receive an education in a mainstream school like other children without disabilities. She fought for my admission to schools that initially refused me due to my disability and taught me that girls should also be ambitious and fearless.  

With my mother's support, I not only completed my university education but also went on to study abroad in the United States and France on scholarships, traveling to nearly 30 countries. My overseas experiences broadened my horizons and gave me a chance to meet with some of the most outstanding women in the world. Their stories deeply inspired me, making me believe that women with disabilities can also assume leadership roles and become changemakers in their communities. Their example motivated me to follow my passions and found my current organization - I hope persons with disabilities in China can experience the beauty of world as I have and have the right to participate equally in social life.   

When I first started, I had no resources¡ªno office, no funding, and no professional or support network. Living with a physical challenge restricts my social network and sometimes makes it difficult to reach out for help. But fortunately, emerging digital technologies broke these limitations. They allowed me to connect with people around the world across geographical boundaries and access the resources essential to achieve my goals . 

I work in China, while my partners live in Belgium and Greece. We collaborated online to win our first round of financial support from a multinational company based in the Netherlands called Booking.com, which laid the foundation for our subsequent development. I sincerely thank these tech companies that have demonstrated strong values in promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) and sustainable development. Without their initial and fundamental support, I could not have made the changes in my community.

After my work in China began to make an impact, we also received support from the local government, who offered grants and free office space. I must say that I'm very fortunate to live in Nanjing, Nanjing not only attaches great importance to sustainable development but also provides many preferential policies for related initiatives, especially supporting international cultural exchanges and youth talent development in related fields, which has provided strong support for our development.

The initial mission of my organization was to promote the construction of accessible environments and accessible tourism. In the first two years of our operations, we organized various activities that brought about 600 persons with disabilities out of their homes for a tourist and social experience. However, we were surprised to find that less than 30% of the on-site participants were women with disabilities, while over 60% of our social media followers were female. 

• (Data source: the practice of Rare & Roll)

In China, approximately 40% of girls with disabilities aged over 15 have never attended school, and the annual income of women with disabilities is only equivalent to 42.5% of the national per capita disposable income. The challenges are structural. Limited access to education leads to fewer employment opportunities, resulting in economic hardship and even poverty. The lack of accessible facilities and a robust social security system reinforces the social isolation of women with disabilities.  

•  (Data source: Li Yan, Ailiye Wumaier & Li Chang'an. (2024). Promoting High-Quality and Full Employment for Women with Disabilities: Opportunities, Challenges and Countermeasures. Disability Research, (02), 39-46. Unofficial translation)

As a woman with a disability, I can empathize with the members of my community and want to do something to address their needs. But how can we truly bring about change? Reflecting on my own experiences, I recalled the challenges I faced¡ªlimited educational resources, few opportunities to start my own initiatives, and countless obstacles in everyday life. Yet, the internet became a gateway, connecting me to the knowledge, tools, and communities that fueled my growth. Certain key technologies have played an essential role in expanding my choices and autonomy¡ªmy power wheelchair, voice recognition software, and AI-powered assistive devices have not just aided my mobility and communication but have also opened doors to independence and professional opportunities.

We must harness the potential of emerging technologies to tackle the challenges faced by women with disabilities and create new pathways for inclusion. Digital transformation is not just a trend; it is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and fostering economic empowerment.

With this vision, we launched an initiative to enhance the digital skills of women with disabilities in China, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital economy. More importantly, we firmly believe that women with disabilities are not just beneficiaries of technology but experts in their own right. Their lived experiences offer invaluable insights, and by amplifying their voices, we can drive innovation that is truly inclusive and impactful.

With this vision in mind, we actively invite women with disabilities who have experience and expertise in the digital economy to become trainers. By sharing their knowledge and personal journeys, they inspire and guide their peers, demonstrating firsthand that success in the digital world is possible. This peer-led approach not only makes learning more relatable but also fosters a strong sense of community and mutual support.

Since 2022, we have trained over 500 women with disabilities, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate and thrive in the digital economy. This is just the beginning. As technology continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for inclusion. We are committed to expanding our reach, strengthening our network, and ensuring that more women with disabilities can harness the power of digital tools to shape their own futures.