China's first batch of women peacekeepers
Among the 43-member medical team heading for the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) for the UN peacekeeping operations, there are 13 servicewomen who
are the first batch of Chinese women peacekeepers in history.
All of them are either doctors or nurses from the 202 Hospital of the
People's Liberation Army (PLA) located in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning
Province. They are Liu Xin, Li Caiyun, Ye Xiaohui, Wang Li, Hou Dan, Zhang Yi,
Zhai Shuang, Sun Xuelei, Wang Qi, Liu Feng, Yang Wei, Zhang Yi and Zhou Hong.
Zhao Wei, head of the 202nd Hospital said that after the Chinese
government decided to send a medical team to the DRC at the request of UN, many
of the medical workers in his hospital applied to join the team. After strict
selections and three months of intensive training, the 13 women emerged from all
the applicants and became part of the medical team.
The training included emergency treatment, special protection, medical
logistics, preventive iatrology, information in medical service, military
topography, field survival, use of light arms and driving as well as
professional English and common English.
English is one of the major challenges for the women medical workers.
"Most of us have not used English for several years, so it is difficult for us
to restart the study," Wu Dan said. "To overcome the difficulties, we tried to
talk in English and we usually fell into sleep while listening to English. We
wake up in the morning with the earphones still on."
Physical training was also another obstacle. "We were required to run
3,000 meters in 18 minutes. During the first week of training, no one can reach
the set criteria and many could only finish less than 2,000 meters," Zhang Yi
said. "But none of us lost heart. We encouraged each other and helped each
other. In the end, everyone finished 3,000 meters within 17 minutes. My physique
was not so strong before the training but finished the 3,000 meters in a little
more than 16 minutes." Such a rigorous physical training surprised the British
trainers.
Besides physical training, they also talk a lot about the DRC. Their
original knowledge about the country mainly came from the map and newspapers.
Now the common diseases, especially epidemics, in the African country are their
major concerns. "We have collected much information about the endemics,
epidemics and verminosis, including malaria, typhoid, hepatitis and AIDS." Ye
Xiaomu said. "We believe that we can fulfill the task entrusted to us by the
UN."
The women medical workers are required to live in the dormitories and
follow the same military rules and regulations as ordinary soldiers. The only
exception is that their family members were allowed to visit them during days
off as most of the 13 women medical workers had already been married and had
kids.
It is not so easy for these thirteen ladies to part with their children and
husband. "I am going to be away for a long time, but my family and friends all
support me. My husband is to take over all household chores so that I can
concentrate my efforts on this mission, " Hou Dan said.
Hou's 6-year-old daughter is a first grade pupil. The little girl burst
into tears when she heard that she was to separate from her dear Mom for a long
time.
For Liu Feng, she felt sorry that she could not take care of her twin
daughters who were going to attend primary schools this summer.
"Please say 'sorry' to our family for us, " Zhai Shuang said with tears in
eyes. She has put off her marriage for several times for the sake of the
mission, but her boyfriend, also a serviceperson, never blamed her. Her family
also supports her decision.
Separation is sad, but Zhai is happy that she could be member of the
mission. "This will be the most important experience in my life, " she said,
letting out the inner voice of the 13 women.
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