Growing awareness driving change

In recent years, the central authorities have attached growing importance to putting women on an equal footing with men and protecting their rights.

The Civil Code, which took effect on Jan 1, emphasizes the equal status of men and women. It includes regulations on domestic violence and acknowledges that sexual harassment comes in both physical and verbal forms.

On Jan 7, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate issued a document ordering prosecutors at all levels to improve cooperation with women’s organizations to strengthen the crackdown on crimes against women and children and to beef up the punishments for such acts.

Meanwhile, revisions of the criminal and the anti-domestic violence laws have paid special attention to women’s rights to equal employment, land rights and their vulnerability to domestic violence and sexual assault.

According to a media release for the State of World Population 2021 report, published by the UN Population Fund, China has in recent years worked hard to uphold the constitutional principle of equality between men and women.

Those efforts have been made apparent by the fact that more than 100 laws and regulations have been enacted or amended to better safeguard women’s rights.

Social media platforms such as Weibo have also seen more discussion of topics related to women.

For example, stand-up comedian Yang Li became well-known after her gender-related jokes became notable trending topics last year.

At the same time, a growing number of female influencers have made their voices heard on subjects such as body shaming, gender equality in the workplace and female independence.

The tag GirlsHelpGirls has also been trending on Weibo recently, especially since the Chinese-Canadian singer and actor Kris Wu was arrested by Beijing police on suspicion of rape.

Meanwhile, a reality TV show, Sisters Who Make Waves, sparked a national sensation when its first season premiered last year.

The show features 30 female celebrities age 30 and older, who compete to form a seven-member idol group. The aim is to demonstrate that women can prosper, regardless of age.

When the second season aired in January, the All-China Women’s Federation partnered with Mango TV, the company that produces the show, to launch a project to identify and publicize inspiring female characters from all walks of life on the program.