The Rickshaw Report:Women’s Rights
1. Last Sunday, Xi Jinping co-hosted a summit at the UN headquarters in NY in order to promote women’s rights. China’s first lady, Peng Liyuan, also gave a speech at the event, calling for better education in order to improve the livelihoods of women. Do you think China serves as a fitting role model to other nations on this topic?
Countries all over the world should respect women, and encourage girls to have better access to education. Xi has done a very good job. I heard that he has pledged, on behalf of China, to donate 10 billion Yuan to UN Women (Editor: the figure is actually 10 million US Dollars). I think China is the first country to do this, so this may encourage other countries to give financial aid as well to UN Women, and also lead the other nations to pay more attention to women’s rights ( Editor: In fact, several other countries have alsob donated to UN Women. Switzerland’s donation to the institution has actually exceeded China’s contribution.)

2. What can China teach other countries on this issue?
Gender inequality is prevalent is several countries across the globe. China is setting a good example to such nations. At the summit, Xi highlighted China’s efforts to strengthen gender equality…but I cannot remember the exact details.

3. Yes, President Xi has drawn attention to women’s rights. Do you think gender equality can have benefits for men as well?
I think it will do no harm to men. Gender equality will not influence men’s rights. Male or female, we are all human. Everyone has their own merits. Regardless of gender, you can be successful if you are talented. You can even become the leader of a nation.

4.Since your childhood, have you witnessed any improvement in the rights of Chinese women?
I was born in 1960s, when China was undergoing much development. At the time, the status of women was low – their opinions or ideas were not very respected. However, today, I think China has almost achieved gender equality. There has been a huge improvement. As China has advanced in the areas of science, economy, education and so on, the status of women has also improved.

6. In order to achieve true gender equality, what areas may need improvement?
There are still problems like domestic abuse, gender discrimination at work, and sexual harassment. This may be difficult to eradicate since it’s ‘a family issue’. However, I think that there are certains which are better suited to men – especially the work which requires one to go on business trips.

7. How can we combat these problems?
We need better education to wipe out domestic violence and sexual harassment. We need to get rid of old-fashioned ideas “I am the man, so I have the final say on everything, and I can hit you whenever I want”. Men also should understand that a women deserve to receive a salary from their employers during their maternity leave. An educated or considerate male boss with understand this.

8. Who do you think is, at the very present, the most influential Chinese woman?
(Face goes blank) Err… I cannot think of anyone.

9. Ok, what do you make of Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan?
According to my understanding, out of all of China’s first ladies, she is the one to have made the most public appearances. She is like the national flower of China. Very talented – the most talented first lady since 1949.She even gave a speech entirely in English.

10. From all the women of China’s history, which Chinese woman appears to have had the greatest impact on the country?
Wu Zetian, who was part of the Tang Dynasty. She was the first and only female empress of China. Lady Meng Jiang? is also an important legendary female figure. According to the myth, when Lady_Meng_Jiang discovered the death of her husband, she cried so hard that her tears caused part of China’s Great Wall to collapse.