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Guo Bingying strikes an urbane and sophisticated pose. Yet the 26-year-old administrative officer at China Wuyi Co., a leading Chinese constructor, has a friendly and humble demeanor that impresses everyone.
A wife and a mother of a two-year-old girl, Guo has overcome great odds to pursue a lucrative career in spite of pressures associated with nurturing a young family.
During an interview with Xinhua ahead of the international Mother's Day on Sunday, Guo spoke fondly of her family who happens to be her source of inspiration and strength.
"I have lived in Kenya for six years, working as an administrative officer with China Wuyi Co.. The experience has been fulfilling, save for a tough battle trying to strike a healthy work life balance," Guo told Xinhua.
Her husband is a colleague in the same company, but is based in a different Kenyan town where he is implementing infrastructure projects.
Like any other modern and career driven woman, Guo grappled with a tough dilemma when her employer deployed her to a foreign land away from family and friends.
"The decision to migrate to Kenya and leave my child behind with her grandmother was not simple. As a young mother, the desire to hold my family together was overwhelming yet I still needed to work," said Guo, whose mother-in-law now lives with the toddler in China.
Despite the geographical distance, she makes regular calls to keep abreast of how the two are faring.
"I call my mother in law thrice a week and always chat with my child through video. The company grants me 36 days leave annually and utilize this opportunity to bond with my family," Guo told Xinhua.
She disclosed that she connects with the husband once a month since he is busy implementing a project in the lake side city of Kisumu.
Despite her demanding career, Guo still retains a strong affinity to family and friends. Her most enjoyable moment is when she reconnects with the baby girl and mother in law.
"Living apart with the loved ones can be emotionally draining, but I have gradually reconciled with this fact. The company requires me to work in whatever geographical location," said Guo.
She is among the millions of Chinese working mothers grappling with the pressures of demanding careers alongside nurturing young families.
As for You Zhanglan, the mother of a ten months old baby boy, working in distant lands away from loved ones has been a transformative experience.
You is a Deputy Administration Manager with China Wuyi Co. and has lived in Kenya for the last six years.
She was part of the team that was involved in the construction of Thika Superhighway that remains an enduring symbol of Sino- Kenya friendship.
Her husband also lives in Kenya and is based in the coastal city of Mombasa, where he is implementing infrastructure projects.
You's most joyous moments is when she connects with the baby boy through video chat. She revealed the toddler is able to recognize her while geographical distance has not diminished affection between the two.
She is currently pursuing masters in business administration (MBA) at the University of Nairobi and has developed a strong love for Kenya and its people.
Chinese working mothers are the embodiment of resilience, grace and fortitude.
Their busy schedules notwithstanding, the Chinese working mothers have been able to hold their families together.
Lily Liu Fang, an assistant to the CEO of China Wuyi Co. has lived in Kenya as an expatriate for a decade and given a chance, she could live in the east African nation forever.
The mother of a six-year-old girl is determined to succeed in her career despite the overwhelming pressures of holding together a young family.
"My husband works in China, but during the annual leave, we reconnect and spend quality time together," Liu told Xinhua.
She said her daughter has a strong affinity to Kenya and can even speak the national language Swahili fluently.
"My daughter has a strong attachment to Kenya and can even sing the country's national anthem better than China's. She has many Kenyan friends who have broadened her knowledge of the country, its rich culture and natural beauty," said Liu. Enditem
