My brother sent me links to information on Nu Shu, a written language developed by women in China back when they were denied an education. The secret language was developed in Jiangyong county, Hunan province, and consists of 700-1000 characters. Examples of the writing on are this page, which also describes some of the social traditions that allowed women to gather together to learn and use this language. A documentary has been produced which focuses on one of the few remaining women who can read and write in Nu Shu. Because there was no longer a need for it, the language has died out. That’s a good indication of progress, though it is important to pass on the history.