Devoted to Achieving Gender Equality, Harmony by Harnessing Men's Power

Ye Wenzhen, professor at Fujian Jiangxia University [China Women's News]

Back in 2005, I was honored to attend the Beijing Plus Ten meeting in Beijing in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. I was the only male member of the delegation from Fujian Province. In actuality, at every conference like this, male representatives usually only account for less than five percent of the total. I have long been pursuing the theory of gender harmony, which aims to seek gender equality, freedom and overall development on the premise of acknowledging physiological differences and complementary aspects between men and women. I believe that only by underlining concepts of gender can we research and study from the perspective of men. Only if we compare men and women can we know where gender equality lies. And only by including men into the discipline of gender studies can we avoid asserting ourselves alone, but rather explore problems together.

Three Impetuses to Persist in Gender Studies

As mentioned, there are few male delegates that persist in attending such conferences as I do. Why me? Well, in retrospect, there are three driving forces propelling me to dedicate myself to the topic.

Unremitting and in-depth research itself is an impetus. As I have delved into the field intensively, I have gradually felt gender differences and seen their social influence. Though we have always been highlighting gender equality, widespread sexism still prevails in society. I feel like it is a mission to promote gender equality.

Furthermore, the positive social effects brought about by such findings have made me realize the necessity of research. For instance, giving lectures, interviews and seeing my research results become evidence for decision-making have all spurred me on to go further.

I often carry out training on gender consciousness. For example, at a discussion on how women pursue happiness, many women came to talk to me during the intervals and expressed thanks. I'm very motivated when I see them get inspiration and take delight in seeking personal development.

Studying female-related issues has given me more opportunity to communicate and interact with women, during the process of which I have felt women's selfless dedication. Actually, many women have made outstanding achievements in their study and career and they can give full play to their intelligence and energy if endowed with a better development environment and increased social support. Moreover, the kindness, warmth and spirit of devotion of my mother and daughter have long been an inspiration.

Let Policymakers Hear More Voices of Women

One of my study objectives is to let public policymakers hear more voices from women during the decision-making process. In that respect, the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) should check on all decisions and policies from the perspective of gender. In addition, there should be an increasing proportion of women among policymakers. In this way we can refrain from loss of public policy resulting from a lack of gender perspective. Ultimately, we need to improve the situation at the decision-making level and find procedures with the cultural consciousness of gender awareness. To this end, I have not only published my study results on academic journals but also expect them to transform into services and support for public policy, to improve the policy-making culture that has long suffered from an absence of gender consciousness.

So why should women's voices be heard at the decision-making level? On the one hand, women have paid a heavy price in the social and economic transformation, so they need more preferential policy. Women from all walks of life, whether they be a laid-off laborer, migrant workers, "left-behind woman" or a female elite, all have to endure huge pressure. For example, a female PhD candidate has to suffer a lot emotionally if she cannot find a boyfriend. Many women engaged in politics or in the technology industry are confronted with various contradictions between work and family life. Therefore, we should open our heart to their voices to help them enjoy better development.

On the other hand, both the proportion of women among policymakers and the policy-making methods and procedures have long been void of  gender consciousness. I've been making efforts to get my studies included in the decision-making process. One way is to make direct involvement by participating in relevant government-backed projects. We can also disseminate our research findings at seminars or workshops in this field, and serve the ACWF wholeheartedly. In this way we can impact decisions concerned through the top official organization for women.

Take Gender Harmony as the Perspective in Gender Study

I prefer the more neutral term "genderism" to feminism. That is because if we use feminism or "masculinism", then these two concepts will both likely lead people to consider only the extremes of gender consciousness, aggravate the opposition between males and females, and prevent the out-of-balance gender relationships from turning into a situation of harmonious interaction and cooperation.

 The notion of gender underlines the idea that gender is not determined by physiological features but shaped by a conventional cultural system. So, we are totally able to bring about a change. The analysis of gender consciousness and perspective denotes a glimmer of hope. However, if we just place particular emphasis on changing women's status in survival and development, it will end up as a single-sex task. That is to say, it will end up as a phenomenon in which only women highlight their own plight and our male-dominated society will continue.

Hence, I hope to adopt gender concepts that replace single-sex studies and focus on the development of both men and women. I think we should mull over how to create a harmonious gender relationship apart from promoting gender equality.

I approve of substituting gender studies in place of women's studies but I also expect to pay more attention to women given the increasingly grim plight they are plunged into. The two areas are not contradictory. It is a basic foundation of a harmonious socialist society to eliminate sexual discrimination, achieve gender equality and realize a balance in relationships between men and women. I will persist in this field and assume my own responsibilities to achieve such equality and the harmonious development of men and women as long as I can.

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