As time flows gently by, a woman's life unfolds like a tender yet resilient chapter written through the evolution of her identities. From a carefree daughter cherished in her parents' palms, to a loving wife walking shoulder to shoulder with her partner, and then to a composed mother embracing responsibility with grace — each transition is a gentle but determined journey. As International Women's Day approaches, three women at different stages of life share their personal stories,annotating the growth and strength behind each identity, and reflecting the most beautiful qualities of women in the new era: independence, resilience, and warmth.

From Carefree Girl to Responsible Daughter: A "Daughter" Who Warms Her Parents' Hearts with Care

"In my eyes, being a 'daughter' is not just about being loved — it's about being the bond that connects the family, a synonym for responsibility and warmth."

Dekyang, born in 1999, is the only child in her family. After graduating from university, she returned to Lhasa to accompany her elderly grandmother. "My father works in Nagqu and my mother works in Xigaze. Although we are often apart, it never affects the deep bond between us," she says.

Dekyang's growth has always been accompanied by her parents' love and support. As the only daughter, she was the apple of their eye. They did everything they could to provide her with the best life and education. No matter how busy work got or how far apart they were, they never missed a moment of her growth. "My parents always say I'm their pride. Whatever choices I make, they support me," Dekyang says with a smile. This unconditional trust and encouragement has been her strongest foundation, nurturing in her a gentle and understanding nature, and teaching her gratitude and care from an early age.

Life in Nagqu is tough, and Dekyang keenly understands her father's hardships. She calls him almost every day and keeps an eye out for things that might make his life easier — warm, lightweight clothing, practical daily necessities — anything she finds, she shares with him immediately, sometimes even ordering online and having it shipped directly to Nagqu. These small gestures speak volumes about her love. "My father is a very gentle person. He rarely complains about his struggles, but I know how much he gives for this family. I want him to feel his daughter's care."

She is equally thoughtful toward her mother. She remembers her birthday and preferences. When her mother is tired or feeling down after work, Dekyang becomes her most devoted listener. "My mom says having a daughter like me is her greatest blessing. But I think having parents who understand and love me so much is my greatest luck."

Although her parents aren't around, her aunt Nyi ma pundun has been incredibly kind, offering unwavering care and guidance. Dekyang now works at her aunt's cultural startup. "She's like a second mother to me. With her, I've felt so much warmth and learned, through daily life, to be grounded in my work and brave in taking on responsibility."

From a cherished only daughter to a grounded young woman growing under her aunt's wing, and now to a caring girl who actively accompanies her grandmother while missing her parents far away — Dekyang is maturing with time. With her gentleness and thoughtfulness, she indicates the responsibility and devotion of being a "daughter." "My parents have given so much for this family. All I can do is take good care of my grandmother, care for them deeply, and live up to their love." In her heart, being a "daughter" isn't about being a child forever protected by parents — it's about being the thread that weaves the family together, a warm force that knows gratitude, knows how to care, and knows how totake care of her loved ones in her own way.

From Innocence to Soulmate: A "Wife" Answers the Call of Love and Companionship

"I used to think the identity of 'wife' was something far away from me — until I met him. Only then did I realize how much warmth those two words hold."

Li Ting, born in 1995, is a lively and warm-hearted girl from Sichuan Province. In September 2025, she officially registered her marriage with her boyfriend of one year, transitioning from the identity of "daughter" to that of "wife." Through mutual understanding with her husband, she is writing a new chapter of marriage for young couples in the new era.

Li Ting's marriage began with a gentle fate. In September 2024, shortly after arriving in Lhasa, she was introduced to her future husband by relatives. Though there was no thunderous love at first sight, through daily interactions, they gradually discovered each other's shining qualities. Her husband isn't much of a talker, but he can always sense her emotional shifts and offer just the right comfort and company. Li Ting's cheerful personality, in turn, brightens her husband's steady life, helping the once introverted man laugh more and open up. Two complementary souls deepened their bond through playful banter and quiet understanding, until they knew — this was the person they wanted to spend their life with. So they walked into marriage together. "I'm so lucky to have found someone who understands me, cherishes me, and always listens. The sense of security he gives me — no one else ever could," Li Ting says, her voice full of happiness.

When she got her marriage certificate in September 2025, Li Ting felt the profound shift in her identity. Before, she was the little daughter cherished by her family, never worrying about daily routine, with her parents always there to back her up. But becoming a wife meant slowly learning to walk side by side with another person, building a small world of their own. "From the moment we registered, I knew that from then on, I wasn't just my parents' daughter — I was also someone's wife. A new responsibility and connection had entered my life."

Married life is a mix of daily routines and quiet warmth. Her husband's job is demanding; sometimes he's so busy he barely has time to eat. Li Ting not only picks him up and drops him off on time but never complains about his busy schedule. Instead, she quietly supports every effort he makes. "He works so hard. What I can do is take good care of our home, so he has less to worry about on his way to and from work, and feels warmth when he comes back."

From an innocent, protected daughter to a generous-hearted, supportive wife, Li Ting grows and matures through this transition. She told reporters that the greatest gift of marriage is finding a life partner with whom she can always accompany and nurture each other. And the identity of "wife" has made her life more complete and more warm.

From Hesitation to Steadfastness: A "Mother" Accompanies Her Children with Responsibility

"Becoming a mother is the bravest decision I've ever made — and the warmest journey of growth."

Namgyal Drolkar, born in 1991, is a high school geography teacher. In December 2017, she welcomed her first daughter; in June 2021, the arrival of twin daughters deepened her identity as a "mother." In her eyes, being a mother is responsibility, is love — it has transformed her from a naive girl into a resilient, gentle, and strong woman.

In 2017, at 26, Namgyal Drolkar became a mother for the first time. With no experience, she often felt overwhelmed by her baby's crying and feeding challenges. "The first time I held such a tiny baby, I was afraid to even adjust my hold, terrified of hurting her. At night, whenever she cried, I'd jolt awake and couldn't sleep properly," she recalls. During that time, her heart was completely consumed by this small life. From feeding to diaper changes to putting her to sleep, everything had to be learned slowly. The once capable and efficient high school teacher became cautious and flustered in her new role as a first-time mom. But every time she saw her daughter's peaceful sleeping face, an unprecedented softness and determination welled up inside her.

To better accompany her daughter's growth, Namgyal Drolkar devoted more energy to parenting. She studied child-rearing seriously, sought advice from elders, and gradually moved from chaos to confidence. From recording her daughter's first roll-over and first words, to helping her learn to walk and reading picture books together — she never missed a single moment of growth. Through these experiences, she gradually understood the true weight of the word "mother." Just as she was adapting to life with one child and finding her footing as a mother, the arrival of twin daughters in June 2021 brought new challenges. "I used to think 'mother' was just a title. Only when I became one myself did I realize how much profound love and responsibility those two words carry." Though motherhood is demanding, this identity has taught her boundless patience and tolerance, made her stronger, and shown her the true meaning of love.

Today, Namgyal Drolkar's three children are growing up healthy and happy. Her eldest daughter is in primary school, and the twins have started kindergarten. She is no longer the hesitantnovice mother she once was, but a composed, resilient, and strong mother. This journey called "motherhood" continues. In the years ahead, Namgyal Drolkar will carry responsibility and love, accompanying her children as they slowly grow up, and in the process, becoming a better version of herself alongside them. "Being a mother is never afetter — it's a source of strength. It's the force that keeps me moving forward on my path of growth."

Reporter: Lou Menglin

Translator: Liu Fang

Review: Phurbu Tsering, Drakpa Wangchen