Li women in Hainan get hands-on hospitality career experience

Lingshui's ecological and cultural tourism resources have fueled demand for local and flexible employment. But limited professional skills, constrained job-search channels, and family caregiving responsibilities have made it difficult for many Li women to qualify for positions. To meet the growing industry demands, local hospitality companies are prioritizing localized and diversified hiring. Key properties in Haikou, Sanya, Wanning, and Lingshui have created nearly 3,000 jobs, with locals filling more than 90 percent and the number of employees from ethnic minorities steadily rising. Since the start of the year, related operators have provided nearly 37,000 flexible shifts totaling close to 270,000 work hours.

Fu Xiaoling, chairwoman of the county's women's federation, said women's employment and income growth are key drivers of rural development. The federation intends to continue working with nonprofits and hospitality businesses on regular career empowerment, skills training, and job matching, she said, to close the "last mile" of employment services for rural women.