Woman to hike 2,000 km to fight child sexual abuse

A self-avowed feminist is hiking 2,000 kilometers from Beijing to Guangzhou in a campaign against sexual assault of children that includes displays of paintings and photographs, China News Service reported on Tuesday.

Xiao Meili, a 24-year-old online shop owner from Sichuan province, was in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Monday.

Xiao embarked on her journey on Sept 15 from Beijing and has hosted more than 10 events against sexual assault of children along her way.

She submitted requests to local authorities along the way to host displays of art and photography and has collected thousands of signatures from residents.

Xiao said she chose hiking as part of her campaign to change the stereotype that fewer women doing the exercise, partly due to fears of sexual assault.

Xiao was previously involved in activities to promote more toilets for women and less violence in intimate relationships.