Yi Tong, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), is from the science and technology sector. She is a member of the Education, Science, Culture and Health Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress, and director of the Innovation and Development Strategy Research Institute of the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology. As a researcher with her institute, Yi has been a consistent voice for sci-tech enterprises and talents, especially involving sci-tech innovation, during NPC sessions.

The institute where Yi works focuses on the research of strategies and policies related to science and technology. Women make up 75 percent of the institute's employees. In March 2023, the institute was honored by the All-China Women's Federation as a National March 8th Red-Banner Collective.

Throughout the years, Yi has worked on the frontlines of scientific research, where she has noticed women's advantages in the field. "Women show their meticulous observation ability, good communication and coordination skills, and resilience when facing pressure in the research of natural science. Women tend to have strong emotional resonance and empathy in the research of social science. They demonstrate their concerns about and deeper understanding of social problems, human health and well-being affairs. These character traits have helped women achieve positive results in scientific research; meanwhile, they have brought diverse perspectives and innovative vitality into the circle of scientific research," Yi says.

As a supportive measure to advance Women's Action for Scientific and Technological Innovation, and to inspire women's strength and potential in scientific and technological innovation, during this year's NPC session Yi proposed the creation of birth-friendly circumstances and the establishment of family-friendly pilot sites in sci-tech work places. Yi also suggested maternal-and-infant facilities be established at pilot sites, public-welfare childcare services be provided, flexible working hours or working from home be adopted, and more activities for children be organized after class or during school vacations.

Yi also suggested concrete measures be adopted to implement birth-support policies, aimed at building a more conducive society for raising children. For example, by extending paternity leave to men, men will be encouraged to shoulder their responsibility of looking after their families. In addition, Yi suggested young women should be supported as "pillars" in scientific and technological innovation.

Photos from Interviewee

(Women of China)

Editor: Ye Shan