Mao Hengfeng facts for kids

Mao Hengfeng (born December 9, 1961) is a Chinese activist who has fought for the rights of women and other people in China. Her story began when she stood up against the government's rules about family size.

Because of her protests, she was often punished by the government. She was held in special camps and prisons for many years. Even after being released, she continued to speak out for others, like the famous activist Liu Xiaobo.

Why She Began Protesting

In 1988, Mao Hengfeng worked at a soap factory in Shanghai. She was already a mother of twins. She became pregnant again, which was against China's One-child policy at the time. This policy limited most families to only one child.

Mao wanted to have her baby. Because she refused to end her pregnancy, she was fired from her job. She was also held for a time in a special hospital against her will. After she gave birth, she was told she lost her job for missing work while she was recovering.

Fighting for Her Rights

Mao Hengfeng believed her firing was unfair. She tried to use China's laws to get her job back. A judge told her that if she ended a later pregnancy, he would help her. Mao felt she had no choice and ended the pregnancy, but the court still ruled against her.

From 1990 to 2004, Mao repeatedly asked the government to correct the wrongs done to her. She also tried to take the government to court, but the courts often would not hear her case.

Mao didn't just fight for herself. She also helped others who were treated unfairly. She supported people who lost their homes and campaigned for those held in camps without a fair trial. She became known as a brave and determined activist.

Punishment for Activism

First Time in a Labor Camp (2004–2005)

In 2004, Mao was sent to a "Re-education through labor" camp for 18 months. This was a punishment given without a trial. While she was there, her family lost their government support and struggled with money.

In September 2005, after her release, she and her husband were at a protest. They were supporting another activist. Police beat them and took them away. Mao managed to escape but was quickly caught again.

Later that month, police put her under house arrest. This meant she was not allowed to leave her apartment. Police officers guarded her door to make sure she stayed inside.

Sent to Prison (2006–2008)

In 2006, Mao was arrested again. She was accused of breaking two table lamps while being held in a guesthouse. For this, she was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

In prison, she was treated very harshly. She was kept alone in a small cell for 70 days, which was against China's own prison rules. She was finally released in November 2008 when her sentence ended.

Protesting for Liu Xiaobo (2009–2011)

In 2009, Mao Hengfeng protested to support another human rights activist, Liu Xiaobo. For this peaceful protest, she was punished again. In 2010, she was sent back to a labor camp.

In the camp, she was treated very badly. She was tied up for days at a time without food or water. Because of this harsh treatment, she developed serious health problems, including bleeding in her brain.

She was released in February 2011 but was immediately taken again. She was sent to a prison hospital where she had been mistreated before. She was released to her family in July 2011, but police continued to watch her.

International Support

The organization Amnesty International learned about Mao Hengfeng's situation. They started a campaign calling for her to be freed. They also asked for an investigation into how she was treated and for her to receive proper medical care.

External links

• "Feminists Ignore Plight of Mao Hengfeng"
• "Woman Fired, Tortured After Having Second Child"
• "About the Individual: Mao Hengfeng", Incorporating Responsibility 2008
• Shangai Woman Petitioner Jailed
• Amnesty International Urgent Action, February 2011
• Mao Hengfeng's Bittersweet Homecoming Human Rights Now – Amnesty International USA Blog