In China, women have proved they can be just as successful in as many aspects of life as men. How long they can work each day is no longer a question, but how long they are allowed to work in a lifetime is still up for debate. The issue is just one of many grabbing attention at the ongoing Women's National Congress.
The congress is on in Beijing and some women's rights activists are using the forum to press for equal retirement rights for women. They say that although the Chinese constitution has gender equality written into basic national policy, some of the country's labor regulations are biased against women.
As a result, the Chinese women are not enjoying the rights to work as long, and retire as handsomely as their men colleagues. For example, women civil servants and government employees must retire at the age of 55. Male employees can keep working up till they reach 60. The five-year difference means a woman pension is six percent lower than her male equivalent.
Han Rongdai, Beijing Delegate, said, "The threshold of retiring at 55 years old for a woman is unfair. It can stump her ability to work."
"The gender difference does not mean a gap in professional ability. If we're as well as educated as men, we're entitled to the same treatment at work, " said Shi Qiuqin, a Shanghai delegate.
The All-China Women's Federation says helping more women find employment and re-employment will top China's six tasks in the next five years.
But some delegates argue that women's rights to retire as dignified as men is an equally important task. Some say they are committed to realizing this change, hopefully before the next congress in five years' time.
(CCTV.com August 24, 2003)
