"Women make up half of China's total population of 1.3 billion. Therefore, the promotion of gender equality and the overall development of women are important for China's development. I have noticed that in recent years, college students are finding it increasingly difficult to find work. The already intense competition is even tougher for female students because of the inherent gender discrimination that exists in some companies and organizations. Many young women therefore choose marriage instead as a way out. This is a dangerous situation and trend.
"To solve the problem, the government should enhance the supervision and management of the labor market, provide female college graduates with the necessary legal support in relation to ensuring equal employment opportunities."
Another issue that is of major concern to China's women leaders is health, as highlighted by Changngopa Tsering Yangzom, a CPPCC member and a professor with the Tibetan Language Department at Tibet University.
"I have been conducting research on the health of women in the pastoral areas of Tibet and I've discovered that they know very little about the prevention of gynaecological diseases. I've urged the ACWF and the Ministry of Health to send medical teams to these remote areas to inform and educate the people on such issues," Changngopa said. She added that the practice of having annual gynaecological check-ups, already gaining popularity in the urban areas, should be promoted to the rural women.
In addition, rural doctors play a major role in caring for and treating women from remote villages. "They do a lot for these women," Changngopa said, adding that more financial support and training should be given to these village doctors.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Wang Qian, March 8, 2006)
