2nd China-France Anti-Domestic Violence Seminar Held in Beijing

The All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), China Women's University (CWU) and the French Embassy in China jointly held a symposium on anti-domestic violence on November 23 in Beijing.

As one of the events under the framework of China-France high-level cultural exchange mechanism, the symposium aimed to push forward bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture, education, academic research and human rights.

Some 100 scholars and experts participated in the event and shared their experiences and achievements in preventing and eliminating violence against women. They also probed into the common issues and difficulties in promoting the implementation of anti-domestic violence laws in the two countries.

Lu Yamin, vice-minister of the ACWF's International Liaison Department; Gui Nan, a French embassy spokeswoman; and, CWU's Vice-President Liu Meng attended the seminar and made keynote speeches.

A project leader from the French Prosecutor's Office introduced the status quo and the legislative focus of France, and outlined its research findings in anti-domestic violence.

From the government perspective and the lawmaking level, a representative of France's attorney lawyers laid out the country's efforts in promoting legislation.

Cecil Deparis, director of the French Ministry for Family, Children and Women's Rights, introduced the basic situation, mission and responsibility of the ministry and talked about its actions in preventing domestic violence and protecting women's and children's rights.

Lin Jianjun, a professor from CWU's Law School, introduced the Chinese government's efforts in fighting domestic violence and put forward several suggestions on laws and policy-making.

Lin also focused his speech on the Anti-Domestic Law in China and reminded attendees of previous achievements.

Past achievements in China include the 4th World Conference on Women in 1995, which designated strategic goals in preventing and eliminating violence against women.

The ACWF issued a notice on preventing and curbing domestic violence in 2000, providing a standard guidance for various departments.

The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council released a draft law and solicited feedback from society in 2014.

The 12th NPC Standing Committee reexamined the draft, and, legislators approved the nation's first law against domestic violence in late 2015.

At the meeting, Peng Di, Secretary of the Department for Women's Rights and Interests at Hunan Women's Federation, introduced the innovative work of grassroots organizations and shared local experiences in combating domestic violence.

Afterward, Ye Shuiping, director of CWU's International Cooperation Department; Zhou Yingjiang, dean of CWU's Law School; and, Li Ying, dean of CWU's International Education College hosted three sub-forums and gave their comments. 

Practical cooperation between China and France in promoting women's development and their joint efforts to protect women's rights not only can help improve women's status in the two countries, but also has a global meaning, said experts.

The organizers related that in the first year of China's anti-domestic violence law coming into force, the two sides should strengthen policy dialogue and joint research, promote mutual learning, and share measures and experiences in cracking down on offenders.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and France have opened a new chapter of exchange in women's issues, and have realized fruitful results in promoting gender equality, women's empowerment, anti-domestic violence, among other issues, said officials.  

The two sides should also expand personnel and technical exchanges and cooperation, step up efforts to promote women's progress, deepen cooperation in women's issues between research institutes, universities and social organizations, and further push the development of bilateral relations, organizers concluded.

(Source: China Women's University/Translated and edited by Gender Study Network)