In brief
Su Min, a 60-year-old grandmother, embarked on a journey of self-discovery after escaping an abusive marriage. Through her incredible video diaries, she's touched countless lives, making her a symbol of freedom and empowerment for women who feel trapped.
Su Min, a 60-year-old grandmother from China, is not your typical feminist icon. Her journey to freedom began in 2020 when she decided to leave her abusive husband and hit the road in her white Volkswagen hatchback, equipped with a rooftop tent and her pension. “I felt like I could finally catch my breath,” she reflects on the day she drove away from her past. Over four years and 180,000 miles later, Su Min documented her adventures and shared her struggles through video diaries, earning her a massive online following. Affectionately known as the "road-tripping auntie," she became a voice for many women who find themselves trapped in similar situations.Her compelling story has caught the public’s attention and has been turned into a hit film titled “Like a Rolling Stone,” released in September, and she was named one of BBC’s 100 inspiring and influential women of 2024. If she had to distill the essence of the past year, she would simply call it "freedom." As she prepared to travel south for winter in her latest SUV—a testament to her four years on the road—she shared how liberating it felt to take charge of her life.2024 marks a new chapter for Su Min; she filed for divorce from her husband, who initially refused to let her go without a financial settlement. They reached an agreement of 160,000 yuan ($21,900; £17,400), and she is now awaiting her divorce certificate. “I'm saying goodbye to him,” she asserts, determined to never look back.Every day on the road is a celebration of her newfound independence. Su Min engages her online followers, sharing her culinary creations, daily escapades, and travel destinations—from Xinjiang's majestic mountains to Yunnan's quaint river towns. The community she built along her journey admires her bravery, with many expressing their desire to reclaim their own lives.Her narrative resonates with women who share their stories of feeling trapped in oppressive relationships. A result of her raw honesty, followers have taken her insights to heart, encouraging each other to focus on self-improvement and financial independence. One follower encouraged her to "live the rest of your life well for yourself," demonstrating the profound impact Su Min has had on many lives.Su Min has also taken the time to reflect on her past. She compares her struggles to a stray cat she came across on her travels, recognizing how they both weathered hardship yet managed to embrace the world. The scent of chili peppers in a market reminded her of the freedom she had lacked, as such pleasures were forbidden during her marriage.Married to Du Zhoucheng, whom she met just twice before their arranged marriage, she hoped love would flourish post-nuptials. Instead, she endured decades of emotional and physical abuse, convinced daily of her duty as a wife and mother. Following her daughter's marriage and subsequent birth of twins, Su Min found herself feeling increasingly suffocated and aware of her mental health issues.In 2019, sparks of inspiration ignited her quest for escape as she encountered glimpses of vanlife on social media. By September 2020, she left her old life behind and began a new chapter filled with personal revelations and connections with her audience. "We women are not just someone's wife or mother… Let's live for ourselves!" one follower commented.Her story has prompted numerous women to reach out, expressing their own struggles and aspirations for independence. "You are a hero to thousands of women," one comment proclaimed, showing that Su Min's influence is both far-reaching and impactful.Even amidst challenges like bureaucratic delays in finalizing her divorce, Su Min remains optimistic, hoping to expand her travels beyond China in the future. She embraces her philosophy—that love for oneself is the foundation for a fulfilling life. In a digital age where stories resonate globally, Su Min stands as a testament that no matter how old you are, true freedom always awaits those willing to seek it.
