Trainees from the program learn how to make clothes. [Courtesy of Saliye Hobay]

Determined to change the situation, Saliye started to provide free training program for women in two Uygur communities last year. The training program not only teaches the women how to make clothes, but also helps them to gradually get used to a modern industrialized work style.

It's no easy task to persuade women to participate in the program. Together with local government, Saliye and her staff from the company visit many potential applicants.

"I tried to encourage them with my own story," said Saliye.

Her efforts finally paid off. Since last year, more than 100 women have graduated from the program. Some of them become employees of Sallyking and others have started their own business.

"I feel happy for them. I believe these women will get higher status in their family by having a job. This will change the traditional thought and influence for the next generation," Saliye said.

The program is warmly welcomed by more women and local governments.

The autonomous region has been trying hard to improve women's employment by promoting women's entrepreneurship and developing characteristic industries including textile.

Statistics show that women in Xinjiang constitute 41.5 percent of the employed population in 2014, a growth of 29 percent from 2008.

Saliye plans on bringing the program to remote southern parts of Xinjiang, where the economy is not as advanced compared with the north.

"We are so young and competent, why can't we create a better life for ourselves and our family?"

Saliye teaches a trainee from the program some sewing techniques. [Courtesy of Saliye Hobay]