Women hold up half the sky

Women make up half the human race

Women make up half the human race

According to an article published by ‘The Drum’, China has a gender balance unmatched in other markets, with women holding the top jobs in advertising and media agencies.

Following the cultural revolution in 1949, the ideas of gender equality have been widespread in China. “Women Hold Up Half The Sky,” is a famous statement made by Mao Zedong about the role of women; that they are a resource that should be deployed outside of the homes into the professional fields.

China is no stranger to women in powerful positions

China is no stranger to women in powerful positions

Since then, China has upheld the notion of gender equality. Generations of Chinese women and men have grown up with these ideas of gender balance, which has contributed to China’s strong female workforce - 64% of women in China work compared with 54% of women in the UK. Quite rightly, the focus has been on skills, work ethic and experience regardless of gender. If people are capable of doing the work, the idea of gender shouldn’t even come into it.

Women are aware they need to earn money and have aspirations; it gives us the confidence to gain experience and work hard. These aspirations, along with the need to provide for a family help to spur women upwards as they seek better pay and work conditions that come with senior roles.

It’s clear that China is doing something right when it comes to gender equality and creating an even playing field for women in the workforce, which the UK can learn lessons from. However, people believe there is still a lot of work to be done.

Despite the many challenges women still face, time will be a huge boost to gender equality as younger generations grow up in increasingly more balanced societies. Let’s make it happen for us and our daughters too.

The full article can be found here.

Uta de Veer