In China, women have proved they can be just as successful in as
many aspects of life as men. How long they can work each day is no
longer a question, but how long they are allowed to work in a
lifetime is still up for debate. The issue is just one of many
grabbing attention at the ongoing Women's National Congress.
The congress is on in Beijing and some women's rights activists
are using the forum to press for equal retirement rights for women.
They say that although the Chinese constitution has gender equality
written into basic national policy, some of the country's labor
regulations are biased against women.
As a result, the Chinese women are not enjoying the rights to
work as long, and retire as handsomely as their men colleagues. For
example, women civil servants and government employees must retire
at the age of 55. Male employees can keep working up till they
reach 60. The five-year difference means a woman pension is six
percent lower than her male equivalent.
Han Rongdai, Beijing Delegate, said, "The threshold of retiring
at 55 years old for a woman is unfair. It can stump her ability to
work."
"The gender difference does not mean a gap in professional
ability. If we're as well as educated as men, we're entitled to the
same treatment at work, " said Shi Qiuqin, a Shanghai delegate.
The All-China Women's Federation says helping more women find
employment and re-employment will top China's six tasks in the next
five years.
But some delegates argue that women's rights to retire as
dignified as men is an equally important task. Some say they are
committed to realizing this change, hopefully before the next
congress in five years' time.
(CCTV.com August 24, 2003)