Women in China might be regaining some tracking in the economy, they are still lacking political leverage and earn on average less than men, says author Zhang Lijia at Wion. “According to Zhang, if China wants to improve the lives of women, it will first need to accord them equal status in society and politics.”
Wion:
China also has a long way to go as far as representation of women in politics goes.
No woman has ever led the Communist Party of China, and currently there’s only one woman among the 25 members of its Politburo.
Author of “Lotus” – a book that talks about prostitution, based on extensive research – Zhang Lijia, said that the CPC was sexist.
Zhang added that Chinese women are being left behind in terms of political participation and the salary gap between men and women is becoming wider.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, among the members of the decision making bodies of the Chinese government, only 24.2 per cent are women.
China must guarantee a minimum quota for women in the National Assembly, which continues to have very few women representatives, Zhang says.
The CPC, she adds, took a concrete step to improve women’s lives in the 1950s, when it abolished child marriage and introduced the right to education and work, but after that gender equality has not been prioritised.
According to Zhang, if China wants to improve the lives of women, it will first need to accord them equal status in society and politics.
Zhang Lijia is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.
Are you looking for more stories by Zhang Lijia? Do check out this list.
