The Steel Resolve of Li Yajuan, Daming’s “Steel Rose”

At Taiyuan Daming, where the sound of clanging steel and the hum of machinery form the soundtrack of daily life, one worker stands as a shining example of strength, skill, and resilience—Li Yajuan, the only woman in the carbon steel workshop. In a field dominated by men, Li’s unwavering commitment to her craft and her “no-excuses” attitude have earned her the title of “Steel Rose,” and recently, the recognition she deserves for years of hard work.

Li’s selection for the prestigious recuperation and rest program organized by the Jiancaoping District Federation of Trade Unions in Chengdu stands as a testament not only to her personal achievements but also to Daming’s core belief: “Let those who do hard work shine.” She’s a perfect example of the grit that keeps Daming’s furnace burning bright.

Forged in Fire: A Day in the Life of Li Yajuan

In the carbon steel workshop, where the air is thick with the heat of the forge, Li Yajuan works tirelessly alongside her male colleagues. Dressed in her  blue safety helmet, and boots, she moves with precision and purpose between the towering steel coils that can weigh several tons. For Li, every task—whether disassembling and assembling heavy partitions or performing meticulous quality checks—is an exercise in raw strength, patience, and determination.

Her role requires physical endurance that would challenge even the most seasoned workers. Repeating the same motions—bending, squatting, standing—hundreds of times a day, she shows no sign of fatigue. When the workshop faced a tight deadline and a 12-hour work marathon loomed, Li took on the hardest task without hesitation, breaking down and reassembling partitions at full throttle from dawn to dusk.

Li’s commitment extends beyond the physical. She’s known for her sharp eye for detail during the quality inspection process, where she ensures every piece of steel is flawless. Burrs, chipped edges, and imperfections don’t stand a chance under her watch. She double-checks every label, verifying material specs, weight, production dates, and batch numbers with the meticulous care of a craftsman forging perfection. She also handles the unit’s monthly processing data, keeping track of every inch of progress.

Steel Heart, Iron Will: A True Team Player

Li’s dedication to the team speaks volumes about her character. While the team leader assigns tasks based on strength and skills, Li is always ready to tackle the toughest, dirtiest, or most physically demanding jobs. She never complains—whether it’s heavy lifting or long hours—because she knows that in steelwork, you only get out what you put in. For her, “No pain, no gain” isn’t just a motto; it’s a way of life.

Her hard work and determination haven’t just made her a key player in the workshop—they’ve inspired those around her. Li has shown that no task is too great, and no role too small, to be tackled with everything you’ve got. She’s also proven that gender is no barrier in the steel industry. With skill, grit, and perseverance, she’s risen above outdated stereotypes and demonstrated that anyone, regardless of gender, can excel in this challenging field.

Recognition: From the Forge to Chengdu

In November 2025, Li was chosen for the coveted “Sichuan Chengdu Federation of Trade Unions Dujiangyan Sanatorium” recuperation and rest activity—a well-deserved honor, and the only one awarded to Taiyuan Daming. This recognition of her tireless work in the steel workshop is a reflection of not just personal achievement, but the respect Daming has for its most dedicated employees.

Reflecting on her experience, Li says, “My daily routine in the workshop is busy and fulfilling. But more than that, Daming has given me a sense of belonging. I’m grateful for the trust and encouragement from my leaders and my team. No matter where we stand in the workshop, working diligently is the key to success—because perseverance truly has the power to shine.”

Breaking Boundaries: Crafting Success

Li Yajuan’s story is one of breaking barriers and forging a path where others may have thought none existed. She’s shattered the misconception that women don’t belong in frontline, physically demanding roles. Through her dedication and craftsmanship, she’s shown that it’s not about gender, but about the attitude you bring to the work. In steel, as in life, it’s the forge that shapes you—not the metal you’re made of.

At Daming, no role is ever “too much” for anyone willing to put in the effort. Whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, every worker has the opportunity to shine, and that’s a message Li Yajuan embodies every day.

Li’s journey is just one of many at Daming. There are countless other women who, like her, demonstrate the same strength, determination, and resilience in their roles. Mothers, wives, daughters—when they put on their uniforms, they become warriors of steel, pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Daming stands behind them, not just as an employer but as a partner in their growth. By investing in the development of its workers, Daming creates an environment where dedication and skill are rewarded, and where everyone, regardless of background, can rise to meet their potential.

We salute Li Yajuan and all the women and men of Daming who are forging the future with their hard work and unshakable resolve. Like steel, they are strong, unyielding, and ready to shine.