Xinhua is the official news agency of the Peoples Republic of China

LHASA (Aug. 22) XINHUA - Sherpa woman Cedan Lhamo makes no secret of her joyful and proud feelings when she talks about the great changes of the life of her people.

"Through our hard work we have managed to change the tradition that men acted as masters and women were meant just to serve," she said.

The Sherpa people used to live in deep mountains along the bordering areas of Nepal, Sikkim and China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Normally they have Tibetan blood and follow Tibetan culture.

Cedan Lhamo has become chairwoman of the Women's Union in Zham Town of Nyalam County, and a member of the Standing Committee of Tibet Regional People's Congress.

For Cedan 1972 was a turning point. She was recommended to attend the Central Institute for Nationalities. After five years in this highest learning institute for people from various ethnic groups, she returned to her hometown to begin a new life.

With a persistent and pioneering spirit, she puts much energy into protecting the rights and interests of local women and children and has won their respect.

"In old Tibet, Sherpa people used to endure unbearable hardships like other serfs in Tibet," 46-year-old Cedan said, adding that women in particular had even no rights in their own homes.

"Those who tasted no bitterness never know what is sweet," she said. Like Cedan Lhamo, Danzim helps to enrich the cultural life of more than 1,700 local people in the town. She had little schooling, but managed to acquire much knowledge about radio and television broadcast through her own efforts.

The Sherpa people have only a language but no written characters. A poor cultural life and little scientific knowledge have greatly restricted their social progress and economic development, Danzim said.

Stepping out of the restraint of deep mountains has been a long-time aspiration of the natives, and their wish is being realized, she noted.

Now many Sherpa women study in higher-learning schools, and act as government employees, technicians or business women.

Cering Yuzhin is one of successful business women. In 1982, she and her husband arrived in Zham, the only state-level land port which greatly promotes links between Tibet and the outside world.

They carried products of light industry to Nepal and brought in food and handicrafts. With their hard work during the past decade, they have accumulated considerable wealth.

Last year, they constructed a four-story building in the most bustling area in Zham Town and rent it out.

As for their children, they sent one son to a lamasery and three to school.

Asked who makes decisions at home, Cering Yuzhin said with a smile that the matter is not important, as long as the decision is right.

"We respect and support each other, maybe this is the secret of our success," she added.

Copyright 1996