Essay 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.