China's legislature passed an amendment to the Law on Protection of Women's Rights and Interests on August 28, 2005. The amendment, which took effect on December 1, 2005, "prohibits the sexual harassment of women" and provides women with channels of redress including lodging complaints with the relevant authorities. More important, it stipulates that men and women having equal status is a basic state policy of the country.

But how the revised law is effectively implemented is a subject that concerns the many women now attending the Fourth Plenary Session of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, in Beijing.

According to Wang Shuxian, a CPPCC member and former vice president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF): "Long-standing barriers and prejudices against women still exist, putting women at a disadvantage in terms of economic and social development. This is certainly not in accordance with the country's pursuit of a harmonious society. Last year, I submitted a motion to stop gender discrimination in employment recruitment. This year, I am more concerned about the implementation of the revised law. Since we have the guarantee of the policy, government departments should take steps to implement it by stipulating related executive orders.

"Women make up half of China's total population of 1.3 billion. Therefore, the promotion of gender equality and the overall development of women are important for China's development. I have noticed that in recent years, college students are finding it increasingly difficult to find work. The already intense competition is even tougher for female students because of the inherent gender discrimination that exists in some companies and organizations. Many young women therefore choose marriage instead as a way out. This is a dangerous situation and trend.

"To solve the problem, the government should enhance the supervision and management of the labor market, provide female college graduates with the necessary legal support in relation to ensuring equal employment opportunities."

Another issue that is of major concern to China's women leaders is health, as highlighted by Changngopa Tsering Yangzom, a CPPCC member and a professor with the Tibetan Language Department at Tibet University.

"I have been conducting research on the health of women in the pastoral areas of Tibet and I've discovered that they know very little about the prevention of gynaecological diseases. I've urged the ACWF and the Ministry of the Health to send medical teams to these remote areas to inform and educate the people on such issues," Changngopa said. She added that the practice of having annual gynaecological check-ups, already gaining popularity in the urban areas, should be promoted to the rural women. 

In addition, rural doctors play a major role in caring for and treating women from remote villages. "They do a lot for these women," Changngopa said, adding that more financial support and training should be given to these village doctors.

(China.org.cn by staff reporter Wang Qian, March 8, 2006)