11

  United Nation’s impact on the United Nation’s impact on the

women in the People’s Republic of women in the People’s Republic of ChinaChina

Readings:Readings:– Croll, Elisabeth, Feminism and Socialism in Croll, Elisabeth, Feminism and Socialism in

China, Schocken Books, New York, 1980, Ch. China, Schocken Books, New York, 1980, Ch. 2 & 3.2 & 3.

– Li, Yuhui Li, ‘Women's Movement and Change Li, Yuhui Li, ‘Women's Movement and Change of Women's Status in China”, in Journal of of Women's Status in China”, in Journal of International Women’s Studies, International Women’s Studies, April 03, 2001. April 03, 2001.

– Mechthild Leutner, Nicola Spakowski, eds, Mechthild Leutner, Nicola Spakowski, eds, 2005, Women in China: The Republican Period 2005, Women in China: The Republican Period in Historical Perspectivein Historical Perspective

The Establishment of the People’s The Establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the Women’s Republic of China and the Women’s

MovementMovement IntroductionIntroduction The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s Equality The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s Equality

– The Economy and WomenThe Economy and Women– The Cultural Revolution and WomenThe Cultural Revolution and Women

The Marriage LawsThe Marriage Laws– Marriage Law of 1950Marriage Law of 1950– MarriageMarriage LawLaw of 1980of 1980– Marriage Law of 2001Marriage Law of 2001

Women Status after the Economic Reforms (Late 1978)Women Status after the Economic Reforms (Late 1978)– Gender Gap (1980s)Gender Gap (1980s)– One Child Policy and WomenOne Child Policy and Women

United Nations and ChinaUnited Nations and China– UN ConcernsUN Concerns

22

IntroductionIntroduction PRC When the Kuomingtang (KMT) ruled China under Chiang

Kai-shek and excluded the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from government (1927 -1937), the CCP withdrew to several areas referred to as the “liberated areas” or the “soviets”.

In the liberated areas, the laws concerning women were the In the liberated areas, the laws concerning women were the two Marriage Laws of 1931 and 1934. The laws:two Marriage Laws of 1931 and 1934. The laws:

Banned polygamy, concubinage, and the sale of women. Outlawed marriage without the consent of the partners. Women had the right to sue for divorce.

The greatest emphasis in women policy was “aid to the army” The greatest emphasis in women policy was “aid to the army” – women were to serve with:– women were to serve with: Combat troops – thousands served in the defense forces Combat troops – thousands served in the defense forces

which accepted girls over sixteen.which accepted girls over sixteen.

33

Introduction (2)Introduction (2) Women’s Aid Corps -- responsible for rescuing and Women’s Aid Corps -- responsible for rescuing and

nursing the wounded and carrying supplies to the nursing the wounded and carrying supplies to the fighters.fighters.

Intelligence and sabotage.Intelligence and sabotage. The All China Democratic Women’s Federation The All China Democratic Women’s Federation 全国妇联 全国妇联

was formed, under the leadership of the CCP, to be was formed, under the leadership of the CCP, to be responsible for women’s affairs.responsible for women’s affairs.

But, whenever the Government decided that national But, whenever the Government decided that national welfare was more important than the equal rights of welfare was more important than the equal rights of women they would be told to work for:women they would be told to work for:– A democratic and harmonious family;A democratic and harmonious family;– Saving the children; Saving the children; – Nurturing health and prosperity.Nurturing health and prosperity.

Rather than for “free choice of marriage” and Rather than for “free choice of marriage” and “equality of the sexes”.“equality of the sexes”.

44

The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s EqualityEquality

The Economy and WomenThe Economy and Women When the CCP took over the government they had to When the CCP took over the government they had to

rebuild the cities and develop the economy.rebuild the cities and develop the economy.– The Government The Government took over private businesses and

pushed rural collectivization and organized them into communes beginning in 1949. Millions of rural women were brought out of

their homes and organized into production brigades in the local communes.

– In the early 1950s, large numbers of women as In the early 1950s, large numbers of women as well as men were recruited for different well as men were recruited for different occupations. occupations. Many women were moved from the country to Many women were moved from the country to

the city.the city.

55

66

The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s Equality Equality

The Economy and Women (2)The Economy and Women (2) By 1953, the government met with several By 1953, the government met with several

problems:problems:– The economy could not support the large The economy could not support the large

amount of labor power;amount of labor power;– Large numbers of men were opposed to the new Large numbers of men were opposed to the new

Marriage Law.Marriage Law.– There was a large number of murder and suicide There was a large number of murder and suicide

of women who wanted to end their marriages.of women who wanted to end their marriages. The Government decided that national stability was The Government decided that national stability was

more important than the freedom of women.more important than the freedom of women. Campaigns were launched to encourage women Campaigns were launched to encourage women

to be socialist housewives and model mothers.to be socialist housewives and model mothers.– For the next few years, there were tough For the next few years, there were tough

regulations about divorce.regulations about divorce.

The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s Equality Equality

The Economy and Women (3)The Economy and Women (3) In 1958, the Government launched another campaign In 1958, the Government launched another campaign

(Great Leap Forward (Great Leap Forward 大躍進大躍進 : 1958-1960) to speed up : 1958-1960) to speed up economic development, especially the development of economic development, especially the development of industry and technology. industry and technology. – Women were again told to join the labor force, Women were again told to join the labor force,

particularly in the fields vacated by men who had been particularly in the fields vacated by men who had been transferred to male-oriented industrial occupations. transferred to male-oriented industrial occupations.

– Women worked beside men and were similarly compensated.

– An estimated 70-80% of rural women worked outside their homes during the year. Service centers were established to take care of Service centers were established to take care of

women’s household duties.women’s household duties.

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The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s Equality Equality

The Economy and Women (4)The Economy and Women (4)– Childcare was organized and families ate in the

communal dining halls. According to one study (by 1959), in rural areas According to one study (by 1959), in rural areas

there were:there were:– 4,980,000 nurseries and kindergartens 4,980,000 nurseries and kindergartens – More than 3,600,000 dining-halls.More than 3,600,000 dining-halls.

Cafeterias, kindergartens, and nurseries were Cafeterias, kindergartens, and nurseries were mostly staffed by women. mostly staffed by women.

Rural women were prepared for the assuming cadre duties at the local level but the sexual prejudices and social practices of rural families did not change.– More girls than boys were allowed to die during the

malnutrition of the Great Leap Forward.

The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s The Establishment of the PRC and Women’s Equality Equality The Cultural Revolution and

Women(1966-1976)

The all Women‘s Federation The all Women‘s Federation 妇联 妇联 was forced to was forced to suspend itself during the Cultural Revolution.suspend itself during the Cultural Revolution.

Women were told they held up half of the sky. Propaganda campaigns showed exemplary

women workers who took on jobs conventionally held by males – working tractor machines, etc.

Women’s issues were ignored and women’s Women’s issues were ignored and women’s liberation meant that women behaved like men: liberation meant that women behaved like men:

The uniform color and style of the popular The uniform color and style of the popular outfit for both women and men.outfit for both women and men.

Slogans such as "Whatever men can do, Slogans such as "Whatever men can do, women can do too."women can do too."

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The Marriage LawsThe Marriage LawsMarriage Law of 1950Marriage Law of 1950

The Marriage Law was the first legislation adopted after The Marriage Law was the first legislation adopted after the formation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) – the formation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) – similar to that passed under the Republican Period.similar to that passed under the Republican Period.– It banned prostitution, arranged marriage, child It banned prostitution, arranged marriage, child

betrothal and concubinage. betrothal and concubinage. – It granted equality between men and women in It granted equality between men and women in

marriage.marriage.– It gave equal rights to children born in, or out, of It gave equal rights to children born in, or out, of

marriage.marriage.– Parents were obliged to support their children.Parents were obliged to support their children.– The new law also entitled women to:

Childcare facilities and maternity leave Access to abortion and contraceptives.

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The Marriage Laws The Marriage Laws Marriage Law of 1950 (2)Marriage Law of 1950 (2)

There were campaigns by the government to educate the There were campaigns by the government to educate the population about the Marriage Law. population about the Marriage Law. – Many women, who were not happy about their arranged Many women, who were not happy about their arranged

marriage, were granted divorce. marriage, were granted divorce. – The divorce rate in China, during the early 1950s, was as The divorce rate in China, during the early 1950s, was as

high as high as divorce rate was 1.99 per thousand in 1953divorce rate was 1.99 per thousand in 1953 [US [US 3.6 per 1,000, 2007 vs 5.3 per 1,000, 1981).3.6 per 1,000, 2007 vs 5.3 per 1,000, 1981).

Large numbers of men were opposed to the new Marriage Large numbers of men were opposed to the new Marriage Law.Law.

There was a large number of murders and suicides of There was a large number of murders and suicides of women who wanted to end their marriages.women who wanted to end their marriages.

The Government decided that national stability was more The Government decided that national stability was more important than the freedom of women and for the next important than the freedom of women and for the next few years, there were tough regulations about divorce.few years, there were tough regulations about divorce.

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The Marriage Laws The Marriage Laws Marriage Law of 1950 (3)Marriage Law of 1950 (3)

– The Government then:The Government then: Advocated women's domestic duties and the Advocated women's domestic duties and the

importance of harmonious family life. importance of harmonious family life. Launched campaigns to encourage women to be Launched campaigns to encourage women to be

socialist housewives and model mothers, socialist housewives and model mothers, emphasizing the domestic responsibilities of women. emphasizing the domestic responsibilities of women.

– The campaigns were organized based on “five The campaigns were organized based on “five virtues”:virtues”: Love one’s homelandLove one’s homeland Observe laws and regulationsObserve laws and regulations Work and study wellWork and study well Engage in family planningEngage in family planning Respect elderly and care for children.Respect elderly and care for children.

The Marriage Laws:The Marriage Laws:The Marriage Law of 1980The Marriage Law of 1980

The Second Marriage Law came into effect on The Second Marriage Law came into effect on January 1 1981 further strengthening the January 1 1981 further strengthening the democratic system of marriage. It:democratic system of marriage. It:– Reinforced the earlier law.Reinforced the earlier law.– Contained new provisions on family planning – Contained new provisions on family planning –

One child policy.One child policy.– Raised the marriage age (by two years) to 22 Raised the marriage age (by two years) to 22

for men and 20 for women.for men and 20 for women.– Children were to be supported by other family Children were to be supported by other family

members upon the death of parents.members upon the death of parents.– Parents were to be cared for by the children.Parents were to be cared for by the children.

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The Marriage Laws The Marriage Laws The Marriage Law of 2001The Marriage Law of 2001

The move to market economy in the 1970s increased The move to market economy in the 1970s increased social problems. There was an increase in: social problems. There was an increase in: – Divorces, single parents, one child families, Divorces, single parents, one child families,

extramarital extramarital 二奶二奶 relations, and domestic violence.relations, and domestic violence. There was growing public demand for the need to There was growing public demand for the need to

strengthen the family by amending the Marriage law.strengthen the family by amending the Marriage law.– The Federation of Women was particularly active on The Federation of Women was particularly active on

pressing the party for changes.pressing the party for changes.   Reasons for adopting new marriage law – there was:Reasons for adopting new marriage law – there was:

– Not enough information on property relations and Not enough information on property relations and the annulling of marriages.the annulling of marriages.

– A need to bring the law into line with international A need to bring the law into line with international obligations under the United Nations (UN) treaties.obligations under the United Nations (UN) treaties.

The Marriage Laws The Marriage Laws The Marriage Law of 2001 (2)The Marriage Law of 2001 (2)

After widespread consultation over five years, After widespread consultation over five years, amendments were passed (April 2001) to protect amendments were passed (April 2001) to protect women and the elderly.women and the elderly.– Each member of the married couple shall be Each member of the married couple shall be

prohibited from prohibited from livingliving with another person of the with another person of the opposite sex (adultery is not included).opposite sex (adultery is not included).

– Penalty for bigamy is 2 years in prison; victim is Penalty for bigamy is 2 years in prison; victim is entitled to monetary compensation – Bigamy is also entitled to monetary compensation – Bigamy is also defined as a married person cohabiting with another.defined as a married person cohabiting with another.

– Mandatory registration of marriage (civil and defacto Mandatory registration of marriage (civil and defacto marriage no longer legal).marriage no longer legal).

– Need to fight against coerced marriage and violence Need to fight against coerced marriage and violence against women.against women.

The Marriage Laws The Marriage Laws The Marriage Law of 2001 (3)The Marriage Law of 2001 (3)

– Division of property was clarified – property Division of property was clarified – property included couple’s earnings and bonuses, included couple’s earnings and bonuses, income from production, managerial and income from production, managerial and intellectual activity, inherited property, etc.intellectual activity, inherited property, etc.

– Division of property to take into special Division of property to take into special consideration the property before marriage.consideration the property before marriage.

– Children need to respect the right of parents Children need to respect the right of parents to remarry and not interfere in this marriage to remarry and not interfere in this marriage or the lives of their parents after marriage.or the lives of their parents after marriage.

– Children are not relieved from supporting Children are not relieved from supporting their parents after they remarry.their parents after they remarry.

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The Marriage Laws The Marriage Laws The Marriage Law of 2001 (4)The Marriage Law of 2001 (4)

– Marriages can be divorced under the following circumstances:Marriages can be divorced under the following circumstances: BigamyBigamy One party living with someone elseOne party living with someone else Domestic violenceDomestic violence

– Cruel treatmentCruel treatment– Failure to helpFailure to help– Use of drugs or other bad habitsUse of drugs or other bad habits– Living apart for more than two yearsLiving apart for more than two years– Unknown whereabouts of one member of the coupleUnknown whereabouts of one member of the couple

A wife cannot be divorced if:A wife cannot be divorced if:– She is pregnantShe is pregnant– Within 6 months of a miscarriage.Within 6 months of a miscarriage.

– There should be arrangement of custody visits of children.There should be arrangement of custody visits of children.

  

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Women Status after the Economic Reforms Women Status after the Economic Reforms (Late 1978)(Late 1978)

Since the late 1970s, Chinese economy has been very Since the late 1970s, Chinese economy has been very successful.successful.– It grew at an average annual rate of 10 percent from It grew at an average annual rate of 10 percent from

1981 to 1991, and 12 percent from then until 1995. 1981 to 1991, and 12 percent from then until 1995. – Average personal income more than tripled in the Average personal income more than tripled in the

1980s, and doubled again in the first half of the 1990s.1980s, and doubled again in the first half of the 1990s. Women’s status since the late 1970s:Women’s status since the late 1970s:

– Between men and women, there were unequal Between men and women, there were unequal employment opportunities and unequal income.employment opportunities and unequal income.

– Prostitution in areas experiencing economic boom.Prostitution in areas experiencing economic boom.– An increase in divorce rate. An increase in divorce rate. – With the One Child Policy, there was an increase in

female infanticide and there are more boys than girls in China.

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Women Status after the Economic Women Status after the Economic ReformsReforms

One Child PolicyOne Child Policy To control population growth, the Government To control population growth, the Government

introduced the One Child Policy in 1979.introduced the One Child Policy in 1979. The policy is controversial both within and The policy is controversial both within and

outside China.outside China. The policy was the subject of debate at the The policy was the subject of debate at the

annual meeting of the country’s parliament, the annual meeting of the country’s parliament, the National People’s Congress (NPC), and of the National People’s Congress (NPC), and of the nation’s top advisory body, the Chinese People’s nation’s top advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

   Decision: No change.Decision: No change.

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Women Status after the Economic Women Status after the Economic Reforms Reforms

One Child Policy (2)One Child Policy (2) In almost 30 years, the policy has:In almost 30 years, the policy has:

– Slowed down population growth by 300 million to Slowed down population growth by 300 million to 400 million.400 million.

– Resulted in a severe sex imbalance in the Resulted in a severe sex imbalance in the population due to traditional preference for malespopulation due to traditional preference for males—to till the land, to continue the family line and to —to till the land, to continue the family line and to take care of parents in their old age.take care of parents in their old age.

– Sex imbalance due to:Sex imbalance due to: Abortion of female fetuses after the sex of the Abortion of female fetuses after the sex of the

unborn could be determined by ultrasound unborn could be determined by ultrasound equipment.equipment.

Widespread female infanticide.Widespread female infanticide.

2020

Women Status after the Economic Reforms Women Status after the Economic Reforms One Child Policy (3)One Child Policy (3)

Sex ratio in internationally in industrialized countries:Sex ratio in internationally in industrialized countries:– 103-to-107 boys per 100 girls, 103-to-107 boys per 100 girls,

In China last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, the In China last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, the sex ratio was 120.2 boys to 100 girls.sex ratio was 120.2 boys to 100 girls.– In some provinces, it was even greater than 130 boys to 100 girls. In some provinces, it was even greater than 130 boys to 100 girls. Possible social problems in the near future – by 2020:Possible social problems in the near future – by 2020:

40 million Chinese men will not be able to find wives.40 million Chinese men will not be able to find wives. Increased trafficking in women Increased trafficking in women Population aging – by 2030, one in five persons will be over 65 Population aging – by 2030, one in five persons will be over 65

years of age, roughly double the current ratio creating a years of age, roughly double the current ratio creating a economic problem in economic support and health services.economic problem in economic support and health services.

– , ,

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The United Nations and ChinaThe United Nations and China

The PRC joined the United Nations (UN) in 1971 – The PRC joined the United Nations (UN) in 1971 – prior to that the seat was occupied by the prior to that the seat was occupied by the Government in Taiwan.Government in Taiwan.– Since then, China has signed a number of human Since then, China has signed a number of human

rights treaties.rights treaties. The most important treaty on equal rights for women The most important treaty on equal rights for women

is the one entitled “is the one entitled “Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women” (CEDAW) .– CEDAW was adopted by the UN General Assembly

in 1979 and became effective in 1981. China was among the original 64 States to sign the China was among the original 64 States to sign the

treaty, CEDAW, in 1980.treaty, CEDAW, in 1980.

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United Nations and China (2)United Nations and China (2)

The United Nations introduced an The United Nations introduced an Optional Protocol to CEDAW (2000), which introduced the right of petition for women victims of discrimination. – It allows the Committee on the Elimination of

Discrimination against Women to receive and consider complaints from individuals or groups.

China has refused to ratify the Protocol.

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The United Nations and China (3)The United Nations and China (3)

CEDAW establishes an agenda of action for putting an end CEDAW establishes an agenda of action for putting an end to sex-based discrimination:to sex-based discrimination:– States ratifying the Convention are required to have:States ratifying the Convention are required to have:

Male/female equality in their domestic legislation, Male/female equality in their domestic legislation, Repeal all discriminatory provisions in their laws. Repeal all discriminatory provisions in their laws. Enact new provisions to guard against discrimination Enact new provisions to guard against discrimination

against women. against women. Establish tribunals and public institutions to Establish tribunals and public institutions to

guarantee women effective protection against guarantee women effective protection against discrimination.discrimination.

Take steps to eliminate all forms of discrimination Take steps to eliminate all forms of discrimination practiced against women by individuals, practiced against women by individuals, organizations, and enterprises.organizations, and enterprises.

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The United Nations and China (4)The United Nations and China (4) Countries that have signed CEDAW have to submit Countries that have signed CEDAW have to submit

national reports, at least every four years, on what they national reports, at least every four years, on what they have done to eliminate have done to eliminate discrimination against women.

Non-Government Organizations NGOs can file alternate/shadow reports on their perspective of the situation.

China has submitted a total of four reports:China has submitted a total of four reports:– First in 1985.First in 1985.– Second, in 1989 (was considered by the UN in 1992).Second, in 1989 (was considered by the UN in 1992).– A combined third and fourth report was submitted in A combined third and fourth report was submitted in

June 1997 (June 1997 (Full text available on: Full text available on: http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N97/183/09/PDF/N9718309.pdf?OpenElement)) Included reports on the implementation of CEDAW from the Included reports on the implementation of CEDAW from the

HK SAR and the Macao SAR.HK SAR and the Macao SAR.

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The United Nations and China (5)The United Nations and China (5)

China said they did not have time to submit a China said they did not have time to submit a separate reports as it was busy hosting a special separate reports as it was busy hosting a special conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.

– A combined 5th and 6A combined 5th and 6thth Report was submitted in Report was submitted in 2004 2004 (full text available on: (full text available on: http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N04/403/05/PDF/N0http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N04/403/05/PDF/N0440305.pdf?OpenElement ).440305.pdf?OpenElement ).

The 5The 5thth and 6 and 6thth Report also included reports from Report also included reports from the HK SAR and the Macao SAR.the HK SAR and the Macao SAR.

All reports are reviewed by the CEDAW Committee All reports are reviewed by the CEDAW Committee with representatives from different countries. with representatives from different countries. – The Committee then send its views on what still The Committee then send its views on what still

needs to be done to the Government.needs to be done to the Government.

The United Nations and China: The United Nations and China: Political Participation:

Third and Fourth Combined Report, 1997 The Report covered 1989-1995.

– Increased Political Participation by women: National People’s Congress (NPC) 人大 :

– In 1954, there were 147 women deputies (12% of total).

– In 1993, increased to 626 (21.03% of total – 9% increase over 39 years).

Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CCPPC) 全国政协 :

– In 1993, there were 283 women deputies (13.52% of total) in the).

– In 1995, there are 3 women ministers, 14 women vice-ministers, 23 women deputy provincial governors, 375 women mayors or deputy mayors in over 640 cities.

The United Nations and China: Political The United Nations and China: Political Participation Participation Fifth and Sixth Combined

Report, 2004 Report covered 1996-2004.

– Increased Political Participation by women: The National People’s Congress (NPC):

– In 1998 there were 650 women deputies, or 21.81 per cent of the total (increased from 21.03% in 1993).

– In 2003, there were 604 women deputies, or 20.24 per cent of the total.

Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference – CCPPC 政协 :

– In 1998 there were 341 women members, or 15.54 per cent of the total (an increase over 13.52 in 1994)

– In 2003, there were 373 women members, representing 16.70 per cent of the total.

The United Nations and China: The United Nations and China: Education

Third and Fourth Combined Report, 1997 Increased Female Literacy:

– Urban women completed an average of 9.97 years of schooling; 56.3% complete education at the senior middle

school or higher levels. 33.3% at the junior middle-school level 8.3% at the primary school level 2.1% are illiterate or semi-illiterate.

– Rural women: 8.9% complete education at the senior middle school

or higher levels. 26.6 at the junior middle-school level 27.9 at the primary school level 36.6 are illiterate or semi-illiterate

The United Nations and China: The United Nations and China: EducationFifth and Sixth Combined Report, 2004

Also stressed increase in female literacy:– By the end of 2002, more than 90 per cent of the

population was covered by the nine-year compulsory education in areas where it was being implemented. There were: 57,381,300 girl students in elementary schools

nationwide, or 47.20 % of the total; 38,702,000 in secondary schools, or 46.70 per cent

of the total; 5,144,800 in secondary vocational-training

institutions (including regular vocational secondary schools, adult vocational-training and specialized secondary schools, but not including skill worker schools) or 51.86% of the total;

3,970,400 in regular higher-education institutions, or 43.95 % of the total.

The United Nations and China The United Nations and China China’s Advances since CEDAW

Since signing CEDAW in 1980 China has done Since signing CEDAW in 1980 China has done the following to comply with the treaty:the following to comply with the treaty:– Amendment to the Law on the Protection of Rights and Amendment to the Law on the Protection of Rights and

Interests of WomenInterests of Women– Amendment to the Marriage Law in 2001 adding Amendment to the Marriage Law in 2001 adding

provisions in many areas including domestic violence.provisions in many areas including domestic violence.– The Law in 2002 on Contracting of Rural Land, which The Law in 2002 on Contracting of Rural Land, which

contains provisions for the allocation of land to married, contains provisions for the allocation of land to married, divorced and widowed women.divorced and widowed women.

– The Amendment in 2006 to the Law on Compulsory The Amendment in 2006 to the Law on Compulsory Education.Education.

– The establishment of the Program for the Development The establishment of the Program for the Development of Chinese Women (2001-2010) making gender equality of Chinese Women (2001-2010) making gender equality a basic State policy.a basic State policy.

– Allowed for the participation of women NGOs.Allowed for the participation of women NGOs.

UN ConcernsUN Concerns

The UN expressed many concerns on what remains The UN expressed many concerns on what remains to be done in China:to be done in China:– There is still no legal definition of discrimination There is still no legal definition of discrimination

against women.against women.– No legal cases have been brought to court based No legal cases have been brought to court based

on discrimination against women.on discrimination against women.– No work to eliminate gender stereotypes.No work to eliminate gender stereotypes.– Law on prostitution is limited to the punishment Law on prostitution is limited to the punishment

of prostitutes rather than on pimps and of prostitutes rather than on pimps and traffickers.traffickers. Prostitutes can be kept in detention without Prostitutes can be kept in detention without

due process of law.due process of law.

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UN Concerns (2)UN Concerns (2)

– China needs laws to address:China needs laws to address: Violence against women – crimes punishable Violence against women – crimes punishable

under criminal law.under criminal law. Protection of victims of violence.Protection of victims of violence. Improve victim’s access to justice by the training Improve victim’s access to justice by the training

of judges, lawyers, and prosecutors.of judges, lawyers, and prosecutors. Trafficking of womenTrafficking of women Strengthen data collection.Strengthen data collection. Need to reduce female suicide rate.Need to reduce female suicide rate. Need to provide equal pay for equal value.Need to provide equal pay for equal value. Need to address issue of son-preference resulting Need to address issue of son-preference resulting

in adverse sex ratio.in adverse sex ratio.

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Discussion QuestionDiscussion Question

Would the changes have taken place without Would the changes have taken place without pressure from community and world pressure from community and world organizations?organizations?

Is the UN CEDAW effective in getting China to Is the UN CEDAW effective in getting China to change?change?

3434