XINHUA NET, Zhengzhou, November 12 (Reporter Men Jiadan) — 24-year-old Xiao Meili recently hiked more than 700 kilometers from Beijing to Zhengzhou, organizing themed activities along the way to raise awareness about anti-sexual assault. She also engaged with netizens through paintings, photography, and written messages until she left Zhengzhou on the 11th. During her interview in Zhengzhou, Xiao Meili said that her destination for this hike was Guangzhou, with the entire journey spanning over 2,000 kilometers, and Zhengzhou being only one-third of the way. Through the hike, she aimed to influence society’s mindset with real actions, emphasizing the care and attention needed for child victims of sexual assault. Though tough, she described it as a happy journey.
Xiao Meili, 24, was born in Meishan, Sichuan. She graduated in 2012 from the Art and Design Department at the Communication University of China, and now makes a living by running an online Taobao store, teaching painting, and engaging in public welfare work. As an activist concerned with women’s rights, she has also participated in numerous initiatives, such as wearing a blood-stained wedding dress to oppose violence in intimate relationships, occupying men’s public toilets to advocate for more facilities for women, and more. In September this year, she began her hike to promote the prevention of sexual abuse.
After arriving in Zhengzhou on October 30, Xiao Meili rested while continuing her advocacy. On November 10, she visited Erqi Square in Zhengzhou with several student volunteers from Zhongyuan University of Technology, collecting photos from passersby with the theme “What I Want to Say to Children Who Have Suffered Sexual Assault…”, calling on society to create a supportive public discourse for child victims, thereby reducing secondary trauma.
At the event, reporters observed Xiao Meili — with short hair, a slender figure, dressed in outdoor gear and carrying a backpack — moving deftly through the crowd, politely introducing the anti-sexual assault campaign to citizens and soliciting heartfelt messages. Throughout, she remained enthusiastic and smiling.
“I hope to get more people to pay attention to and prevent campus sexual assaults,” Xiao Meili said. Compared to physical harm, the psychological trauma caused by sexual assault on minors is more severe and more in need of attention. Traditional views on chastity and morality deeply influence attitudes, often labeling child victims as “troubled individuals” or “those who bring shame,” making them targets of blame. This adds pressure from family and society on top of their physical and emotional wounds — especially in remote, impoverished rural areas. Many cases go unreported because victims and their families fear judgment from relatives and neighbors, allowing perpetrators to escape justice. This in turn emboldens further abuse. Even when victims bravely take their cases to court, negative social commentary can inflict secondary harm.
Moved by Xiao Meili’s passion and sincerity, nearly a hundred citizens actively joined the campaign.
“This campaign will have a positive impact,” said resident Chen Jiale. It reminds people to show more care and understanding toward victims, helping them move forward in life with fewer psychological shadows.
“Survivors of sexual assault should break through public pressure and bravely confront abuse,” said resident Dai Rizhao. “I hope society won’t discriminate against these children but will offer them care and concern, giving them more courage and confidence in life.”
Deng Zi, from the northeast, who plans to accompany Xiao Meili on the hike, said, “Cases of sexual assault against girls have been quite common across the country this year. People may only notice the surface issues, but few may offer help with these children’s future lives or emotional well-being. I think we should call on everyone to care more — it’s necessary and meaningful.”
Scenes like these, where volunteers and citizens join in, have become routine for Xiao Meili along her journey. Since setting off from Beijing on September 15, she has passed through over 26 counties and cities, hiking more than 700 km, organizing more than ten anti-sexual assault awareness events, submitting information disclosure requests and suggestion letters to local governments, receiving responses from eight cities (counties), and collecting thousands of signatures supporting the prevention of campus sexual assault.
Why would a 24-year-old girl choose such a grueling method as hiking to promote anti-sexual assault awareness?
“It’s because relatively few girls, compared to guys, undertake long-distance hiking. Many girls are also concerned about the fear of sexual assault, which reflects a societal stereotype. I hope that through my hiking journey — a positive approach — I can break this traditional impression and advocate for the prevention of campus sexual assault,” Xiao Meili said. Although hiking is tough, she finds it joyful because she loves hiking and traveling. Moreover, her advocacy can drive positive social change. “Many friends have joined me on parts of the walk, and many kind-hearted people have supported and helped me, helping me grow mentally and become stronger.”
Along the way, Xiao Meili keeps a daily journal, using drawings, photography, and text to share her thoughts and feelings about the hike with netizens, spreading optimism and love.
“For every signature and photo collected, I explain what I’m doing. Though our interactions may be brief, I believe I’ve made small changes in some people. The government’s responses also show some influence. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; social reform starts with each tiny action, even just one signature or one photo,” Xiao Meili said.
On November 11, Xiao Meili concluded her time in Zhengzhou and continued her anti-sexual assault hike. Despite her slender frame, having developed blisters on her feet after days of hiking and feeling physically exhausted, her conviction remained as strong as ever. (End)