Compiled from: Harbin Daowai Legal Education
 
International Women's Day (IWD), also known as "International Women's Day," "March 8th," and "Women's Day," is a day established on March 8 each year to celebrate the important contributions and great achievements of women in economic, political, and social fields.

 
 

In different regions, the focus of celebration varies, from general celebration of respect, appreciation, and love for women to celebrating women's achievements in economic, political, and social fields. Since this festival was originally a political event initiated by socialist feminists, it has integrated with the cultures of many countries, mainly in socialist countries.
 
International Women's Day is a holiday celebrated in many countries around the world. On this day, the achievements of women are recognized, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, language, culture, economic status, or political stance. Since its inception, International Women's Day has opened up new horizons for women in both developed and developing countries. The growing international women's movement, strengthened by the four United Nations global conferences on women, has turned International Women's Day commemorations into a rallying call for women's rights and their participation in political and economic affairs.

 

So, what are the definitions of "women" in our country's laws and regulations?
 
 
"Constitution of the People's Republic of China"
Article 48
Women in the People's Republic of China enjoy equal rights with men in all aspects of political, economic, cultural, social, and family life.
The state protects the rights and interests of women, implements equal pay for equal work for men and women, and trains and selects female cadres.
 
 
Civil Code of the People's Republic of China
Article 1041
Marriage and family are protected by the state; a marriage system based on freedom of marriage, monogamy, and equality between men and women is implemented; the lawful rights and interests of women, minors, and the elderly are protected.
 
Article 1055
Husband and wife have equal status in the marriage and family relationship.
 
Article 1057
Both husband and wife have the freedom to participate in production, work, study, and social activities, and neither party may restrict or interfere with the other.
 
Article 1082
A husband may not file for divorce during the period of his wife's pregnancy, within one year after childbirth, or within six months after the termination of pregnancy; however, this does not apply if the wife files for divorce, or if the people's court deems it necessary to accept the husband's divorce request.
 
 
Labor Law of the People's Republic of China
Article 13
Women enjoy equal employment rights with men. When recruiting employees, no employer may refuse to hire women or raise the recruitment standards for women on the grounds of gender, except for job types or positions that are not suitable for women as stipulated by the state.
 
 
Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests
Article 2
Women enjoy equal rights with men in all aspects of political, economic, cultural, social, and family life.
The implementation of gender equality is a basic national policy of the state. The state takes necessary measures to gradually improve various systems for safeguarding women's rights and interests and eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.
The state protects the special rights and interests lawfully enjoyed by women.
Discrimination, abuse, abandonment, and harm to women are prohibited.

 
 

 
[1] The author's perspective
From the above laws and regulations, it can be seen that China places great importance on the equal status of women in society and the family. Whether in employment or marriage freedom, women enjoy the same rights and obligations as men. In fact, in addition to the aforementioned laws, China's legal system also includes specific laws and regulations to protect the legitimate rights and interests of women and children, such as the Special Provisions on the Labor Protection of Female Employees and the Law on Maternal and Infant Health Care. The Law on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests provides detailed provisions on women's political rights, cultural and educational rights, labor and social security rights, property rights, personal rights, and marriage and family rights.
 
Women should learn and understand the law, abide by it and use it, enhance their legal awareness and practical ability to protect their own rights, promote family harmony and social stability, and become self-respecting, confident, independent, and self-reliant women in the new era!