In China, a woman who is unmarried by age 25 is considered a "leftover woman." She feels like an outsider, and in a culture with great respect for parents, she may feel like a failure. A group of such women went to the Marriage Market and put up large photos of themselves, and messages like "don't give up love for suitability" or expressing the wish not to marry. Their fundamental message is "Don't let pressure dictate your future."

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  • Rhonda Fried

    Their bravery in their honesty

  • MJo

    They have created a beautiful way to express themselves and the positive in their lives. In a world so overpopulated with humans they are very wise and unselfish really.

  • Cat

    I live in Shanghai and I know the cultural burden these women feel. It's brilliant what was done to bridge the chasm of understanding. Impressed too that SKII sponsored this!

  • Brinda

    The courage of these beautiful strong women to stand up to parental pressure.....really inspiring.

  • Nem

    I'm speechless... We still have a long way to go in this 21st century.

  • Craig

    I am so happy for the women who stand up for love of themselves first. Imagine the happier children in time who will come from parents who waited for a soulmate.

  • Maybelyn

    Be yourself. Be proud of your independence. Thank you for being brave in sharing this vulnerability with the world. Definitely do not settle just for suitability. We should only be with with others who accept you as you are.

  • Mom

    For any time I may have put pressure on you to get married, I'm sorry! You are a wonderful, smart, confident young woman and I love you just as you are.

  • Dianne

    What inspired you about this video? I admire the young women’s courage and strength to embrace their independence. Particularly, enduring the criticism self-doubt and not surrendering to others expectations.

  • Phuong

    Parents and family members don’t realize they’re being conditional towards their children when they express concerns like this. I was openly asked by everyone throughout Asia, including taxi drivers, about why I was travelling alone at the age of 26. Little did they know, that solo trip around the world solidified in me my self-confidence, independence, and self-worth. Time by yourself is time to know yourself. I applaud these woman for respecting themselves enough to not force situations that sacrifice their core values. That kind of woman is a treasure.

  • Page 1

  • Learn more about Chinese marriage markets where parents and grandparents go to find a good match for their children.
  • Read about some of the issues brought about by China's one-child policy, which was in effect for more than 30 years.
  • What societal pressures do you face? How might you deal with that pressure in a positive way?

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