The Moments about Women of this Year

I happened to be writing this article on March 8, International Women’s Day. Unlike the feelings of confusion and worry that many of us had on this day last year, it seems like everyone enjoyed this year’s Women’s Day with positive emotions and expectations, good wishes and respect. On such a special day, I took the time to relax and look back on some of what I had seen and encountered in the past year in regards to issues that affect women. 

 

 

In the early stages of the pandemic, thousands of medical workers rushed to the front lines, and more than 90 percent of them were women. In the course of this action, the menstrual needs of female medical workers were brought to the public’s attention. However, in the long history of mankind, women’s menstruation has always been a topic that is generally recognized, but often avoided. During the pandemic, the huge demand for sanitary products by female medical staff has allowed society to understand that the menstrual needs of women are not some squeamish, troublesome topic, but an urgent and necessary need for women.

 

Those old concepts that we used to be ashamed to speak out about, are gradually being broken down by the voices of equality. As the new generation, we should pay more attention to and fight for these basic rights of women. No need to be ashamed anymore. 

 

 

On March 8, 2020, the spotlight of the world focused on this amazing woman: Zhang Weili, who, bearing scars and wounds on her face, crying and smiling, successfully defended her title and won the champion's belt at the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Zhang Weili is an ordinary Chinese woman with extraordinary qualities. Ever since she was young, she didn’t want to be “defined” by others, and she always knew what her dreams were. She believed that she was different from others, and would succeed one day. Therefore, she chased her dreams bravely. There were always people who told her to be more like a girl instead of “punching and kicking” like a boy. However, Zhang has proved to the world that as a girl, you can definitely do anything, as long as you really want it.  Gender will not limit the scope of your dreams, but the degree of your determination will.

 

 

The “Divorce Cooling-off Period” was officially passed in China’s Civil Code on May 28, 2020, and it came into effect on January 1, 2021. Now in China, couples will have a 30-day cooling-off period after submitting their divorce application. Either party can withdraw the application if they regret their decision during this period. Setting a “cooling-off” time is designed to prevent impulsive divorces and help to stabilize family relationships, which is understandable. 

 

However, it has stirred up hot debate online. A large number of internet users disagree and believe this sets a barrier to ending an unhealthy marriage, causing more unseen suffering for the “victims”. According to relevant data, less than 5 percent of people make a rash decision to divorce in China. Therefore, the vast majority of people seem to be making a well-thought-out decision when they file for divorce. The 30-day cooling-off period may be useful for some couples, but may force most people to endure more unseen suffering when they are eager to walk away from an emotional impasse.

 

Rather than cooling off before finalizing divorce, would it be better to calm down before getting married? It seems like the cooling-off period is more applicable before marriage. Take time to think carefully before getting together, rather than separating from each other.

 

 

The Chinese internet celebrity Papi Jiang has always been regarded as a symbol of an “independent woman”, but the fact that she gave birth to a child in May last year and let the child adopt her husband’s surname became hot news on the Internet. According to some, Jiang should have fought for the right to name the child and let the child follow the mother’s surname since she is an “independent woman”. I was very surprised when I saw this news. Since when has the independence of women been linked to their children’s surnames? According to China’s Marriage Law, children can either adopt their father’s surname or their mother’s, both of which are treated equally in law. Women’s independence should be reflected in their ideology and personality, in how they are able to make decisions and choices freely. Since Papi Jiang is an independent woman, what she chooses has nothing to do with others.

 

Being independent should be a person’s act of free will. No one should override the free will of others by enforcing their own opinions on them.

 

 

For a long time the media has paid a lot of attention to the idea of being a “perfect pregnant woman”, while ignoring the actual hardships of pregnancy. If a female celebrity is pregnant, most of the focus of the coverage is on the changes to her figure before and after pregnancy. For those who are still slim and slender, there will be a lot of compliments and applause; but for those who are captured on camera with slightly bloated bodies, there will be vicious comments. However, what we should be focused on is the courage and strength of these women as they carry new lives into this world.

 

The “perfection” of each pregnant woman is not reflected in the shape of their bodies. The truth is, they know that being a mother is a life-long duty, and it is very hard, but they are still willing to take on this responsibility and raise a new-born life. Of course they will feel scared and worried, but they choose to be strong and, to be a mum. 

 

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There are still definitions, labels and restrictions for men and women in this modern society. What we can do to fight against this is to always see ourselves as independent individuals, and make our own choices bravely according to what our hearts tell us, not restricted by gender.

 

I hope all of us can live out our own versions of a beautiful life!