Beijing:
In the modern cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, young Chinese women are grappling with new ideas of women's power and leadership. But while they shape their own lives and roles, they say there is a long road ahead for women in rural China.
For instance, University student Neyosi enjoys getting part time assignments at international conferences organised in Beijing. She says it helps her practice her English and Japanese.
The 23-year-old is confident and focused - a product of a new China with its fast growing economy.
"I know the status of women and in the world are both getting higher and higher, especially in China. You know I have the chance to accept education in university and right now I am an MA student in university in one of the ...well I think it is the best university in China and I will pursue my Ph D degree in the United States," said Neyosi.
At Beijing University it is clear that opportunities for better education and work have benefitted Neyosi's generation. The number of women in decision making and management positions in all sectors is growing.
There is a perceptible change in women's status. A change that is significant, given that the preference for sons is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions as it is in much of Asia.
The son preference collided with China's one child per family policy, introduced in 1979. Many women became its invisible victims. Millions of female babies have reportedly disappeared from China's demographics.
But students here tell us that in the modern cities of China they experience a different reality.
"Actually I'm a girl born in a city. In my family I don't see this kind of things. I know in the countryside many parents want boys because they are stronger, because they can do more work than girls," said Oiangyining, Student, Peking University.
Studies show discrimination in spending on education for girls remains strong in rural communities. Families usually prioritise boys' education.
Chinese cinema has often portrayed women as the victims of a patriarchal culture. For centuries Chinese families without sons feared poverty and neglect.
The NGO Women's Watch China is using tools like advocacy and training on rural women's land rights. It works with leaders of village committees to help women keep their land in their home village. It also sensitises district judges and lawyers about the hidden discrimination.
Among the students, however, there is a strong demand that the Government establish a social security system for the rural poor.
"Maybe if the family has the girl as their baby the government should give them money. So that they don't think that if we have a girl, it's not better not to have a boy," said Laiguanchen, Student, Peking University.
For instance, University student Neyosi enjoys getting part time assignments at international conferences organised in Beijing. She says it helps her practice her English and Japanese.
The 23-year-old is confident and focused - a product of a new China with its fast growing economy.
"I know the status of women and in the world are both getting higher and higher, especially in China. You know I have the chance to accept education in university and right now I am an MA student in university in one of the ...well I think it is the best university in China and I will pursue my Ph D degree in the United States," said Neyosi.
At Beijing University it is clear that opportunities for better education and work have benefitted Neyosi's generation. The number of women in decision making and management positions in all sectors is growing.
There is a perceptible change in women's status. A change that is significant, given that the preference for sons is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions as it is in much of Asia.
The son preference collided with China's one child per family policy, introduced in 1979. Many women became its invisible victims. Millions of female babies have reportedly disappeared from China's demographics.
But students here tell us that in the modern cities of China they experience a different reality.
"Actually I'm a girl born in a city. In my family I don't see this kind of things. I know in the countryside many parents want boys because they are stronger, because they can do more work than girls," said Oiangyining, Student, Peking University.
Studies show discrimination in spending on education for girls remains strong in rural communities. Families usually prioritise boys' education.
Chinese cinema has often portrayed women as the victims of a patriarchal culture. For centuries Chinese families without sons feared poverty and neglect.
The NGO Women's Watch China is using tools like advocacy and training on rural women's land rights. It works with leaders of village committees to help women keep their land in their home village. It also sensitises district judges and lawyers about the hidden discrimination.
Among the students, however, there is a strong demand that the Government establish a social security system for the rural poor.
"Maybe if the family has the girl as their baby the government should give them money. So that they don't think that if we have a girl, it's not better not to have a boy," said Laiguanchen, Student, Peking University.
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