A Chinese proposal that men should have their own day along the same lines as International Women's Day, has received support from over 50 enterprises.

Big-name companies such as BMW and Volkswagen have promised to give their male employees one-day leave on August 3, the proposed date for the holiday.

An editorial in the China News Weekly says it is a measure of how society is working towards equality between men and women. The traditional conception that men should always be strong and do all the work has been abandoned and people know that they can be weak and also need rest.

The idea of a men's holiday came from Shou Ma, chief editor at For Him magazine. He says men should be relieved from their social burdens as well and be able to develop in more relaxed environment.

If the proposal is approved by UNESCO, it will be the first international holiday sponsored by China.

(CRI May 12, 2005)