9 Chinese women who made a big difference in 2020

As an arduous year comes to an end, we highlight nine female professionals, athletes and celebrities who led by example during the Covid-19 crisis

MMA fighter Zhang Weili, vlogger Dianxi Xiaoge and actress Zhou Dongyu are just some of the inspirational women that rose to prominence

Reading Time:4 minutes

Major General Chen Wei is a virologist and epidemiologist who led a team developing a coronavirus vaccine and became the first person in China to participate in the clinical trial.

Published: 5:15am, 10 Dec 2020Updated: 8:40am, 10 Dec 2020

Despite the impact of Covid-19 on women’s work and lives, many female leaders and other women in China have overcome enormous obstacles and shone in their chosen fields this year. Here are nine female high achievers of 2020.

Biochemist Major General Chen Wei

Chen Wei is a virologist and epidemiologist from the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences. Her profile reached new heights in 2020 as she led a team developing a coronavirus vaccine, and she became the first person in China to participate in the clinical trial.

Her efforts were recognised in September when she received the coveted “People’s Hero” award from President Xi Jinping at a ceremony in Beijing. The 54-year-old’s list of accolades are extensive and include her work in developing the world’s first registered Ebola vaccine, and her contribution to a prevention drug for severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).

Stand-up comedian Li Xueqin

Li emerged as one of the country’s most popular and gifted comedians after videos of her performances during China’s talk-show competition Rock & Roast went viral this summer.

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