Emotional Ad About ‘Leftover Women’ in China Goes Viral [Video]

Apr 11, 2016 06:36 AM EDT

(Photo : Donald Miralle/Getty Images) Unmarried women in China aged 25 and above often face social criticisms and pressure from their parents.

An emotional advertisement released by a skin care brand about "leftover women" in China has gone viral, sparking criticisms over the unjust treatment given to unmarried women past the age of 25. The ad is a part of a global campaign that aim to inspire and empower women to create their own future.

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Created by a Japanese beauty giant SK-II, the advertisement is part of a global campaign which brings to light the harsh reality of being labelled as a "leftover woman." The four-minute long video presented in a documentary-like format, revealed how females struggle with an emotional dilemma that comes from being single, often facing social criticisms and pressure from their own parents.

"The film brings light to the real-life issue of talented and brave Chinese women feeling pressured to get married before they turn 25, for fear being labelled as 'sheng nu,'" SK-II President Markus Strobel told BBC.

The issue about "leftover women" or also known as "sheng nu" in China has become popular as more Chinese women choose to pursue their career instead of marrying young. One of the women featured in the video said that society views unmarried women as someone incomplete.

More so, respect for parents is deemed as one of the highest values in China. Not marrying is the greatest sign of disrespect, as said by another woman in the video. Parents have expressed doubts over their daughters' decisions and ended up saying heartbreaking things.

The video ended on a positive note, with daughters reaching out to their parents and showing them courage and strength amidst criticisms. The video hopes the same understanding between daughters and parents shall happen in many Chinese families.

The video has been shared thousands times over by many who uphold the same sentiments. It has earned praises from netizens and prompted a serious debate about the issue. Check out the viral video below: