Proposal on Promoting Gender Equality in Employment Against the Backdrop of the Universal Two-Child Policy
March 3, 2017
Political advisor Meng Xiaosi submitted a proposal on promoting gender equality in employment against the backdrop of the universal two-child policy to the annual session of the CPPCC National Committee on behalf of the ACWF. [Women of China/Fan Wenjun]
As the main body of reproduction and key component of human resources, women have undertaken a huge mission in both childbearing and social production. Chinese women and their families were thrilled about the prospect of bearing a second child, when the universal two-child policy was officially adopted in 2016. However, due to various concerns, many women are reluctant to bear a second child, even though the new family planning policy allows them to do so.
The potential conflict between employment and reproduction is one of important factors that women have to take into consideration when they plan to have a second child. Therefore, the government and relevant departments need to introduce relevant supporting measures to better implement the policy and relieve women’s worries in relation to childbearing and work.
Challenges Faced by Women in Equal Employment
Employment is an important channel for women to engage themselves in social and economic growth, promote harmony in both family affairs and social issues, and realize personal values. However, reproduction is closely intertwined with discrimination against women in their employment, which creates difficulties for women in their pursuit of a job and career development.
Prejudices against women’s reproduction whilst in employment are still ubiquitous. Nearly half of employers will take applicants’ gender and marital status into account, while 54.7 percent of female job hunters are questioned connected with their marriage, childbearing and other topics during an interview, according to a survey. In addition, it is reported that some enterprises will immediately reject any application from female job seekers if they are hesitant about whether they plan to get married in the next two years.
