Female entrepreneurs in China share a common feeling of physical exhaustion and mental fatigue, according to a recent woman's seminar held in Shanghai, China's leading industrial center.

A survey of the Chinese Association of Female Entrepreneurs showed Chinese female entrepreneurs work 17 hours a day on average and 80 percent of them sleep less than seven hours each day. Nearly half of female bosses said they have no time for recreation and physical exercise. About 60 percent have to do household chores after going home.

Chen Lijuan, general manager of Shanghai-based Gangde Decoration Company, said, "people like to crown us with the laurel of 'women of exceptional ability or 'women of strong character'. In fact, we sacrificed almost all our time for rest and recreation, and even our health."

"We have endless things to do everyday. Moreover, we have to cope with heavy pressure from our families and society," said Chen who suffers from Meniere's disease on account of exhaustion.

In the wake of economic growth, the number of female entrepreneurs is on the rise. The majority of them are college graduates and aged around 46. Though they enjoy a brilliant career, many face family crises.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2004)