Gender equality in spotlight on 100th Women's Day

• Source: Global Times
• [02:23 March 09 2010]
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The regional figure was skewed by enormous birth gender disparities in China and India, which each accounted for about 42.6 million of the report's "missing" figure.

The disadvantages women face in China have made views toward marriage more pragmatic, and the traditional idea of "it's better to marry a successful man than to be successful" prevails.

The issue of employment difficulties for married women remains a top concern, beyond their partners' fidelity.

A study on women in Foshan city, Guangdong Province, shows that the phenomena of men having a mistress in the region has become their second concern behind the challenges of employment, the Guangzhou Daily reported Monday.

And the situation is not just regional. A widespread view circulating on the Internet calls for new standards for excellence among women in China, inspired by phrases such as "you can fight against a rogue and triumph over the mistress."

This reflects the deep concerns of Chinese women. Wang Xia, a female judge in Chongqing and a delegate attending the annual session of the National's People's Congress, said the phenomenon affects women's dignity and gender equality, and reflects that women have to exert more efforts to achieve success.

Addressing a gathering marking the 100th Women's Day, President Hu Jintao on Sunday said Party committees and governments at all levels should resolutely eliminate discrimination against women, and crack down on violations of women's rights in line with the law.

Zhuang Yating, a female writer, said that it will be a real success for women's liberation when they don't have to stress the issue of gender equality and protection of women on March 8 every year.

Qiu Wei contributed to this story