LocationsWeaving Futures Through Ethnic Textiles
Innovative youth solutions from the National Dialogue China 2024
China is home to a rich diversity of populations, and the Mosuo people are one such unique group. From a young age, Mosuo women are taught traditional handicrafts, including weaving, spinning, and embroidery—skills that hold deep social and economic significance within their community.
However, these time-honored crafts are at risk of being neglected, underappreciated, and eventually lost, especially as the younger generation becomes more distanced from these traditions.
To address these challenges, the "Mosuo Tales" team works to update Mosuo products with modern designs, such as tote bags and scarfs. This approach not only helps preserve traditional craftsmanship but also diversifies income streams and reinvests profits back into the community.
Amplifying Voices
The inspiration for this project started when Yixiao Dai spent time in a remote Mosuo village nestled in the mountains. There, she witnessed the harsh realities of poverty, the effects of climate change, and the gradual neglect of cultural traditions. Crop yields were low due to shifting climate patterns, and while the elders remained in the village with their grandchildren, the younger and middle-aged generations left in search of work.
Realizing how underrepresented and overlooked the Mosuo communities were, Yixiao knew she had to act. "So, I started a non-profit project to help amplify voices that have long been neglected, promote diversity, and create a space where marginalized communities, particularly women, can thrive."
Yixiao (middle) with the Mosuo community.
Although the project is still in its early stages, it has already made a meaningful impact. "This woman, a mother of two, expressed her regret at not being able to attend university. Her greatest wish was to send her daughters to college and offer them opportunities to explore the world," said Yixiao.
"Unfortunately, her main source of income, a cow, passed away, leaving her unable to support her family."
Through Mosuo Tales, she stepped in to help sell handmade crafts. "When she learned that I wanted to help her sell her crafts, I’ll never forget the sheer happiness on her face," Yixiao recalled.
“Their faces light up when they realize that their work, once taken for granted, hidden, and underappreciated, is finally being valued by others," said Yixiao.
Currently, Yixiao is reaching out to more bloggers for promotion and exploring partnerships with other NGOs to increase visibility for Mosuo Tales. People who are passionate about the environment have also shown interest in its sustainable and inclusive approach. “I don’t know how many products this project will sell, but if even one person supports it and helps spread the word, that’s a great start,” she added.
"This is about making the invisible visible, and together, we can help turn a small spark into a blazing torch for change."
Sustaining the Spark
According to Yixiao, the Mosuo people and many other ethnic minority groups are fighting to preserve their way of life.
Yet, these communities often remain unseen, their voices unheard. In particular, the women bear the weight of preserving their traditions, but their efforts are too often unrecognized.
Beyond simply purchasing the products, Yixiao hopes to inspire buyers to feel “By supporting them, we are not just preserving a craft but helping them build a future in a world that has long overlooked them.”
"I hope they feel the stories behind each piece: the hands that wove it, the women who dreamed of a better future for their daughters, the generations who have kept these traditions alive against all odds," she added.
Note: Mosuo Tales was one of the many innovative youth teams that showcased their solutions and participated in the 2024 National Dialogue China. Visit the National Dialogue for more information.
This article does not represent an endorsement of any commercial or private enterprise.
About National Dialogue
National Dialogues are flagship country-level events of Youth Co:Lab, co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation, which bring together youth leaders and stakeholders to build capacities, foster innovation, and co-create solutions to national development challenges, while strengthening coalitions and shaping an enabling ecosystem. As the largest youth movement for empowerment, social entrepreneurship, equality, and social inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region, Youth Co:Lab has supported young people in 28 countries and territories, reaching over 300,000 participants.
At the national level, the National Dialogue China is co-hosted by UNDP, the China Song Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People (SCLSCC), and Citi China. Held annually, the event aims to empower Chinese youth to contribute to achieving the SDGs through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Over the past six years, the National Dialogue China has supported more than 300 Chinese youth-led start-ups, offering professional mentorship from experts across impact funds, incubators, and academia, while enhancing their access to funding opportunities from industry partners.
Every year, outstanding teams from the National Dialogue China are selected to join other teams from National Dialogues across the region at the Youth Co:Lab Summit, the largest gathering of youth social entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region. They present their innovative business solutions alongside peers from other countries and territories, showcasing how youth can drive a green and just transition through social innovation and entrepreneurship.
