Wu Guixian facts for kids

Wu Guixian (Chinese: 吴桂贤; pinyin: Wú Guìxián) was an important Chinese politician. She was born on February 16, 1938, and passed away on April 25, 2025. She made history by becoming China's first female Vice Premier (a high-ranking government official) from January 1975 to September 1977. Before her political career, she worked hard at a large cotton factory. She was chosen for her important role by Mao Zedong, who was the leader of the Chinese Communist Party at the time.

Early Life and Work

Wu Guixian grew up in Gongyi, a place in Henan Province. She came from a big family of farmers and had eight brothers and sisters. When she was young, her family faced tough times because of a big food shortage in China between 1942 and 1943. To find food and work, her family moved to Xianyang, in Shaanxi province. Her father found some temporary jobs there.

Starting Work Young

To help her family earn more money, Wu Guixian started working at a cotton factory in 1951. She was only 13 years old then. At that time, the rules said workers had to be at least 16. But Wu Guixian said she was older so she could get the job. She began her work at a state-owned textile factory in Xianyang.

Joining the Party

A few years later, in 1955, she joined the Chinese Communist Youth League. This was a group for young people who supported the Communist Party. Soon after, when she was 20, she became a member of the Chinese Communist Party itself. She worked hard and was eventually promoted to be a deputy director at the Northwest China cotton factory. Because of her dedication, party leaders arranged for her to study at Northwest University. She finished her studies there in 1968.

Political Career

Wu Guixian quickly moved up from local politics to become a national leader. This happened in just seven years!

Rising Through the Ranks

In 1969, Wu Guixian attended a big meeting called the 9th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. At this meeting, she was chosen to be a member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. This is a very important group that helps lead the country. She also served as a deputy secretary for the Communist Party in Shaanxi Province.

Around this time, the country's leader, Chairman Mao, wanted to promote ordinary people to help run the government. This was especially important after the Cultural Revolution, which had caused some problems within the party.

Becoming Vice Premier

Because of her background as a worker and her leadership skills, Wu Guixian was elected to serve as a Chinese Vice Premier in 1975. This was a huge step, as she became the very first woman to hold this high office in China's history.

Returning to Her Roots

After serving as Vice Premier for two years, Wu Guixian decided to step down from her national role in 1977. She chose to go back to Shaanxi. There, she continued to serve as a deputy secretary for the Party committee at the Northwest China Cotton Factory. She returned to the place where her journey began, showing her connection to the working people.