A former policewoman in China is shining on stage as a stand-up comedian, sharing stories that address stereotypes about women in law enforcement.

The comic is also using the limelight to teach women how to protect themselves.

The 36-year-old uses the nickname “Hotpot” because of her love for the dish and her previous work habit of remaining anonymous.

From the age of 22 to 34, Hotpot was a border policewoman in southwestern China’s Yunnan province.

She was born in a village in the province’s Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture and grew up as a left-behind child whose parents migrated to cities for better jobs.

Her mother shaved her head for her to look like a boy to prevent her from being bullied. But she was still tormented by boys for looking like neither a boy nor a girl.

Hotpot said she learned combat skills from monkeys in the village and fought back against boys.