The Department of Civil Affairs of the Provincial Government of North China's Shanxi Province and the Shanxi Women's Federation, together with 11 other departments, recently issued a guideline on improving care for rural left-behind women whose husbands have migrated to cities for better job opportunities.

The document stipulates the establishment of a working mechanism — incorporating the guidance and coordination of civil departments, the important role of women's federations and the extensive participation of social forces — to provide better services for the left-behind women in rural areas.

It calls for efforts to improve rural left-behind women's capabilities through employment and entrepreneurship guidance, strengthen mental care and enrich their spiritual and cultural life.

The guideline also urges better protection of rural left-behind women's legal rights and 
improved education for their children with more support and services.

It clarifies that the work of caring for rural left-behind women should be listed as an important agenda item by local authorities, and the mechanisms of work evaluation, accountability and rewards and punishments should be established and improved.

Moreover, funds for the care work must be safeguarded. Efforts should be made to enhance publicity and more events should be organized in a bid to create a good social atmosphere. A database with basic information of rural left-behind women should be established so as to provide targeted services.

(Source: China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China)