Women find confidence in Xinjiang modeling group

Aysay Gul Kade, 29, drew her fellow villagers' attention as she blasted down the fashion runway, confident and powerful, in her red one-piece dress. The ruffles and movements gave her a ton of charisma.

Aysay joined the modeling group with 30 other women ranging in age from 17 to 38 in Kuantan village in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, less than a year ago. Now they generate sparks with every step as they move like professional models.

"We organized the modeling group with the thought of making women realize how beautiful they are, and to promote the spirit of self-esteem, self-confidence, self-reliance and self-improvement," said Ralgul Mehmet, 29, director of the women's federation in the village and the group's leader.