Women stitch their voices

Visibility matters

One of Wang's most memorable moments came when a female visitor cried throughout her entire visit.

The woman told Wang that she had moved from the countryside to the city to pursue a PhD. Yet her family urged her to give up her studies and return home to marry, insisting that "the eldest daughter is expected to take on the family's responsibilities".

"It's hard to imagine that such an accomplished woman is still held back by traditional beliefs," Wang said.

But things are changing. Unlike her previous exhibitions, which were held in independent bookstores or cafes, the Xiyue exhibition is Wang's first in a bustling shopping mall. This shift in venue reflects the growing visibility of women's perspectives.

"In bookstores or cafes, the audience was mostly people who already supported our cause, often through online channels," Wang explained. "But in malls, we reached more passersby, many of whom stumbled upon the exhibition by chance."

The response has been mixed. Wang noticed a group of young girls quickly walking past the embroidered sanitary pads, while a mother swiftly pulled her curious child away, saying, "There's nothing to see here."

"Most female visitors, however, were surprised and eager to engage," Wang said, recalling a gray-haired elderly woman who carefully examined each piece.

"Breaking from stereotypes isn't about age — it's about a person's openness to new ideas and perspectives," she added.

Looking ahead, Wang hopes to bring her exhibition to more remote regions to raise awareness about women's health among young girls.

"Many visitors have thanked me for bringing this meaningful exhibition to life," Wang said. "But I want to thank the audience — those who genuinely want to hear women's voices. Their support has fueled the exhibition's growth, from online sharing to a nationwide tour."