Women's Media Awards recognized feminist Xiao Meili's incomparable contribution toward raising public awareness on gender equality and eliminating gender discrimination, dubbing her as 2015's Role Model of the Year.
During the Women's Media Awards ceremony held in Beijing on Jan. 12, Xiao received a plaque as a symbol that her efforts of upholding gender equality did not go unnoticed.
"When it comes to cases of sexual assault, I have observed the unfortunate reality that many are inclined to blame the victims, for their revealing clothes or improper behavior. It is terribly misguided criticism," Xiao declared during her acceptance speech at the awarding ceremony.
Xiao, born in southwest China's Sichuan Province in 1989, had made it her life's goal to promote equality through feminist activities after she graduated in the Communication University of China in Beijing.
Originally known as Xiao Yue, the 24-year-old feminist is most popular for her 2,000-kilometer walk from Beijing to Guangzhou to show how much she condemns sexual violence.
Last year, she had spent over 100 days and nights traveling on foot to send a message against gender bias and sexual abuse.
During her journey, she made occasional stops to hand out letters to local officials, containing her plea to begin changing the manner at which the Chinese government and the society handles sexual abuse.
"Through my efforts, I am telling everyone that to prevent sexual abuse and build a safer society, we must protect women and empower women, not shelter them," she added.
Last year, she had initiated several activities toward a more equal society, including 35 seminars and workshops as well as four exhibitions about what she learned during her journey across China.