A Miao woman teaching embroidery at a workshop. [Photo/undp.org]

Miao people do not have written words. Instead, embroidery is an important medium for the preservation of their stories and culture. The patterns they weave and techniques they employ carry the ancient wisdom of their culture. Yet with the encroachment of modern civilization, fewer women now are willing to learn the trade from elders in the village.

Recognizing the unparalleled artistic and cultural value of Miao embroidery, UNDP collaborated with the Guizhou provincial government to help local women earn more money by selling the Miao's elaborately adorned fabrics.

"I learned embroidery from my mother-in-law," Long Dafen said, "I started learning embroidery when I knew I could sell it and make more money. When my earnings started to make a serious contribution to our household income, my husband started to help me out with housework, taking care of kids and included me in family decision-making."