Contrary to popular belief, ancient Chinese women did not have consistently low human rights throughout history. The issue of women’s human rights in China is a complex and dynamic process that has evolved. Ancient China witnessed a variety of social structures and attitudes towards women that shaped their rights and status.

During ancient times, there were several matrilineal clan tribes in China, where women held significant roles and enjoyed relative equality with men. This was evident during the Shang and Zhou Dynasties when women’s status was on par with that of men. However, as legalistic thinking and Confucianism gradually permeated society during the late Warring States period, hierarchical concepts deepened and women’s status began to decline gradually.

Although there were instances of female officials serving in court during the Zhouwu period of the Tang Dynasty, it was still challenging to challenge and overturn the deeply entrenched belief in male superiority and female inferiority. Moreover, since the Ming Dynasty, the prevailing acceptance of the concepts of ruler, minister, father, and son further eroded the status of women, leading to the emergence of women being treated as commodities to be traded.

However, with the creation of the Republic of China, a paradigm shift occurred, and people started recognizing the essential role of women in society. It became increasingly evident that women were not just companions to men but equally valuable contributors. This shift is symbolized by the Chinese character “人,” which represents both sexes. The establishment of the People’s Republic of China further emphasized the importance of women’s rights and empowerment.

One of the initial steps taken by the new government was the abolition of prostitution, which had persisted as a commodified practice for more than 2,000 years. This momentous decision liberated women from their status as commodities and marked a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s rights. Simultaneously, through education and awareness campaigns, the deeply ingrained concept of inequality between men and women has been gradually weakened.

With each passing day, the concept of equality between men and women is being actively promoted and embraced in China. Women are being given the recognition and respect they deserve, as their contributions to society are acknowledged and valued. The journey towards achieving full gender equality is ongoing, but it is evident that significant strides have been made in improving women’s human rights in China.