There has been an outpouring of opinion on social media regarding women’s roles in China of late.  While there is quite a number of people who claim that women’s rights in China are being eroded away due to human rights issues, we seem to forget that there are many issues which are finally being addressed in a positive way.

While, I am very American in the way I approach things which includes my continual need to complain and fix things, I try very hard to celebrate and encourage the good.  If you never congratulate or appreciate the good when can you tell if some thing bad is going on?

I do appreciate that China has passed and officially enacted a Domestic Violence Ban as of March 1, 2016 😀  There are many countries which do not recognize domestic violence as a crime never mind actually banning this form of violence.  This is a very remarkable step that needs to be applauded.

I did not think that domestic violence would be legally banned in China as it still happens in the U.S.  While we have tort laws in the U.S. which maybe used to charge those who are involved in domestic violence actions, we do not have a ban on domestic violence or abuse.  Hopefully, China will do one better and strictly enforce their domestic abuse laws as you see it almost on a daily basis.

China bans domestic abuse: ‘I woke up to my husband’s fist – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-35708330

In the past the Chinese government promoted marriage later in life and the one child policy, those laws and perks have been rescinded of late.  Women who were single use to have a few extra vacation days.  People with government positions in the past were only allowed one child or faced the risk of losing their jobs.

While those rules have been relaxed, other rules have been more strictly enforced.  For example, single women currently are not allowed to have IVF treatments in China.  Women are still encouraged to get married culturally and politically.  The Chinese government at one point had a campaign asking single women who were older than 27 to not be so picky and to marry.

While I love my freedom of being an independent woman who does not need a man, there are some news stories which make me consider the need for companionship, if nothing else to prevent me from dying in an elevator and not having anyone coming to look for me in 30 days.  I can hear my Chinese friends clucking at me right now saying, “I told you so.”

Xian lift death: ‘Why did no-one miss her – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-35742148

Another lovely thing about being a Chinese woman in China of late is the increase in marriage prospects for those who would like to participate in this institution.  I remember listening to my female relatives telling me their stories about being married off for money, business arrangements, etc.  Very happy to see that women now have a choice and if their hearts only are interested in material goods, they can ask their future mate to provide worldly goods.  While this is not my choice, at least Chinese women now have one…

The rising cost of a Chinese bride price – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-35727057

See the portion of the article where the city girl dumped the country boy because she decided that his family was too poor.  (Personally I think this is rather shallow but to each their own).

International Women’s Day: Five pictures that reveal how women are treated – http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35660047

Current Mood:  Encouraged by the increasing women’s rights in China.

Image taken at China Art Museum in Shanghai at the World Expo China Pavilion.