Women in Shanghai are grappling with their place in a society where men make the laws, as China’s ruling Communist Party views feminism as a threat to its authority. Female rights activists have been jailed, and concerns about harassment and violence against women are often ignored. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has minimized the role of women in the workplace and has promoted more traditional roles for women as caretakers and mothers. Despite this, women in Shanghai and other parts of China are quietly reclaiming their identities, driven by a desire to build communities.
Inspired by a need to explore the power of women, women in Shanghai are organizing events to discuss misogyny in Chinese culture and share tips on feminism. Incidents of violence against women have been on the rise in China, sparking heated debates about sexism and victim-blaming. The reactions to these incidents often polarize society, leading many women to feel uneasy about their place in Chinese society. Entrepreneurs, like Ms. Tang, are opening feminist bookstores and hosting events to create safe spaces for women to engage in intellectual and social discussions.
The bookstore, Paper Moon, offers a wide range of feminist literature and biographies to encourage and empower women. However, concerns about attracting negative attention persist, with some women opting to avoid using the term feminism altogether. Wang Xia, the owner of Xin Chao Bookstore, chooses to describe her store as “women-themed” to remain apolitical. Despite this, Xin Chao Bookstore has become a prominent cultural hub, attracting tens of thousands of visitors through events and workshops focused on women’s issues.
For Du Wen, the founder of Her, empowering women is a driving force behind her activism. Her bar hosts events where women take vows to themselves and challenge societal expectations. Despite meeting with authorities to ensure compliance, there is a constant fear of government crackdowns on these women’s groups. The dedication of these women to creating spaces for feminist dialogue and community-building highlights the growing undercurrent of women reclaiming their identities and asserting their place in Chinese society.
In a society where the role of women is often marginalized, these women are pushing back against traditional norms and seeking to redefine their place in Chinese culture. By organizing events, opening feminist bookstores, and holding discussions about misogyny and gender violence, they are challenging the status quo and advocating for women’s rights. While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges and uncertainty, these women are determined to continue their fight for equality and empowerment in China.
