Xiang Jingyu (1895-1928) was a pioneer of the women's liberation movement, who founded China's national women's organization.

Contributed by Xiao-yun Shen, Lecturer, Department of History, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China

Name variation: originally Xiang Qunxian. Of Tujia nationality, one of the minority nationalities in China. Born on September 4, 1895, at Xupu, Hunan province. Her father Xiang Ruiling was the richest merchant in the locality and in his late years was the president of the county commerce chamber. Xiang Jingyu was the ninth of his ten children. Married: Cai Hesun at the age of 25; children: daughter Cai Ni, son Cai Bo.

In the 1920s, Xiang Jingyu was engaged in the women's liberation movement, primarily in Shanghai, but also in Beijing (Peking) and Guangzhou (Canton). In charge of the publication "Women's Review," she was also instrumental in initiating public schools for girls and organizing working women. She united women of all social...