“What is the biggest challenge faced by women and girls in your country today?” by Chau Yat Yuet
Without a question, humanity has made staggering social progress. We have entered an era where women’s rights have made it to the spotlight, and gender equality is an issue people are both willing and eager to discuss. Yet what is happening here in China tell us that women and girls in the country still face obstacles when voicing out any “feministic” views or simply sharing their experiences regarding issues like sexism or sexual harassment. This, I would say, is the biggest challenge women and girls in the country face as of today.
Over the course of a few decades, China’s social landscape has transformed from one deeply rooted in traditional, Confucian values that bind women to their homes to one that allows women much more choices and opportunities. China’s government has expressed their support for women’s rights, and gender-discriminatory policies are gradually being reshaped. However, with China being a country with a track record of clamping down on anything that could potentially disrupt social order, China’s women’s movement has been losing its momentum due to frequent censorship from the government. On China’s social media, some users’ feministic comments have lead to their accounts getting banned for “inciting hatred” after being reported, and women have been arrested and detained for handing out information trying to raise awareness on sexual harassment and discrimination, and for planning small-scale protests against such issues, on the grounds of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”. Women sharing their trauma on sexual harassment, especially against people with significant social or political standing, can easily be silenced and face censorship. Clearly, being vocal about it is going to bring in repercussions in a country that so values order and control. For a country to have once so proudly proclaimed to stand for women’s rights, its tight grip on things is proving to be contradictory and counterintuitive.
That being said, it is absolutely crucial for the government to truly align themselves with the goal of gender equality and a safer environment for women. Women bringing their struggles and opinions out to the open should not be seen as a threat to social order and harmony, but rather, something that can provoke healthy, genuine discussion and facilitate change within society. It merely sheds light on the flaws that must be addressed in order for society to progress, and the government should see it as something that benefits the country. Instead of silencing women’s voices, it is time for them to listen, and make changes accordingly. Clear boundaries must be drawn up for the loosely defined terms of “picking quarrels” or “provoking trouble” within China’s legislation, and the law must become more acceptant of various opinions on feminism.
Another way women’s rights to voicing their opinions and personal experiences on this matter can be better protected is for the public, and social media platforms, to be more open minded towards feminism and women’s experiences in general. One reason why censoring of feministic comments on social media happens is because citizens who view feminism as offensive and radical, and that it should not be allowed because it encourages hatred towards men. People’s misunderstandings and mindsets must be changed, and of course, this can only be made possible with an open-minded government that is acceptant and encouraging, and an atmosphere in society that does not suffocate discussion. Existing social stigma regarding sexual harassment only help fuel these misgivings, and hence education at a young age and
conversation should be encouraged. It should be something that is taught and talked about, so people can be more compassionate and supportive towards women and girls in their experiences.
In a time and age where women are more respected and valued for their achievements and contributions to the world, it is so important not to forget that this does not mean we should stop in our tracks, nod our heads in satisfaction and forget all notion of further improvement. While China still has a long way to go, I believe that with all those that care and advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, perhaps change is on the way.