In Shanghai and other major cities in China, women are gathering in bars, bookstores, and salons to discuss their place in a society where men make the laws. The ruling Communist Party in China has identified feminism as a threat and has jailed female rights activists. Women are facing concerns about harassment and violence, which are often ignored or silenced by the authorities. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has diminished the role of women in work and public office, invoking more traditional roles for women as caretakers and mothers.
Despite the challenges they face, groups of women in China are quietly reclaiming their identities. Many of these women are from a generation that grew up with more freedom than their mothers. Women in Shanghai, particularly impacted by a two-month Covid lockdown, are seeking to build community and explore the power of women. Salon discussions at bars and screenings of documentaries made by female Chinese directors are providing women with a platform to share their experiences and connect with each other.
Events where women question misogynistic tropes and share tips for beginners to feminism are becoming more common in Chinese society. Gender violence and sexual harassment are prevalent issues in China, with incidents of violence against women occurring with greater frequency according to researchers and social workers. Stories of brutal attacks on women have circulated widely online, sparking divisive discussions with some blaming the victims.
Women in China are seeking spaces for self-expression and empowerment. Bookshops like Paper Moon and Xin Chao Bookstore are providing platforms for women to explore feminist history, literature, and social studies. These bookstores are creating spaces for women to share real stories and encourage each other. However, the owners of these bookstores are careful about the language they use to describe their spaces, wary of attracting unwanted attention or causing trouble.
Women like Ms. Du, the founder of Her, are taking action to empower women in China. Her bar hosts events like Marry Me, where women take vows to themselves, as well as salons where women explore social expectations. While authorities have allowed these events to take place as long as they do not become too popular, there is always the possibility of crackdowns. Women like Ms. Du, Ms. Tang, and Ms. Wang are navigating the complexities of fostering spaces for women’s empowerment in a country where feminism is viewed as a threat by the ruling party. Despite the challenges they face, these women are determined to create spaces where women can reclaim their identities and support each other in a society that often silences their voices.
