China will launch its second national survey on women’s status in December, the All-China Women’s Federation, China’s largest national women’s organization, announced October 16.
Within a month, the survey, to be carried out jointly by the women’s organization and the National Bureau of Statistics, is expected to sample nearly 20,000 men and women in 404 cities and counties across China. On the sidelines of the national survey, 22 provinces will conduct their own surveys.
“Different from the survey 10 years ago, this time we will make comparisons between women and men,” said Li Qiufang, who heads the Women’s Studies Institute of the federation. “By doing so we hope to focus on the gaps between sexes.”
China’s first national survey on women, conducted 10 years ago, was greeted with great enthusiasm worldwide, but only provided non-comparative data about women.
According to Li, the survey will pay special attention to women working in state-owned enterprises, migrant women from rural regions, female entrepreneurs and women of ethnic minorities.
The survey occurs at a time when China is drafting its new program of development for women for the next decade.
“The survey will provide reference to decision-making concerning women issues, particularly to the drafting of the new development programs,” said Gu Xiulian, vice-president of the women’s federation.
(China Daily 10/17/2000)
