Revolution Against Bias: How Chinese Women Are Quietly Coming Together

Despite the male-dominated societal norms entrenched in China, women are quietly but determinedly asserting their presence and reshaping their narrative. Particularly in Shanghai, a vibrant hub of culture and innovation, women are challenging traditional roles and seeking to redefine their place in society. Some choose unconventional paths, donning wedding gowns not for traditional ceremonies, but to publicly affirm their commitment to self-love and individuality. Others congregate in quiet corners to indulge in cinematic creations made by women, shedding light on their diverse experiences and narratives.

At the forefront of this movement is "Her," a bar that serves as a sanctuary for women seeking camaraderie and intellectual  discourse. Founded by Du Wen, Her provides a platform for salon discussions and events that dig into the complexities of womanhood  in modern China. It's a space where women can share their experiences, challenge societal norms, and forge meaningful connections.

The Quest for Autonomy

Women in Shanghai, along with those in other major Chinese cities, find themselves negotiating the delicate terms of public expression  in a politically precarious moment. The ruling Communist Party of China has identified feminism as a threat to its authority, leading to the imprisonment of female rights activists and the silencing of concerns about harassment and violence against women. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the role of women in both the workplace and public office has been diminished, with no female members in Xi's inner circle or the executive policymaking body, the Politburo.

Beyond cultural discourse, women contend with the stark realities of gender-based violence and sexual harassment. Incidents of physical assault and brutal murders continue to shadow over their daily lives, causing a climate of fear and silence. These harrowing accounts, though often overlooked, throws weight on the urgent need for societal change and systemic reform. 

Despite these challenges, groups of women across China are quietly reclaiming their identities, driven by a need to build community, particularly following the  impact of the two-month COVID-19 lockdown in 2022.

A Quiet Revolution

Despite the formidable opposition from the ruling Communist Party, women in Shanghai refuse to be silenced. Even as the government identifies feminism as a threat, these women persist in their pursuit of autonomy and self-expression. The restrictive measures imposed by China's leadership, including the relegation of women to traditional roles, only serve to fuel their determination to reclaim their identity and voice.

For Du, the founder of "Her," empowerment is not just a concept but a driving force—a response to the isolation and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. Locked within the confines of her apartment, Du found solace in the idea of creating a space where women could connect, debate societal expectations, and reclaim their autonomy. Thus, "Her" was born—a place where women could strike friendships, engage in meaningful conversations, and challenge the social norms that had long dictated their lives. Despite facing the specter of official scrutiny, Du remains resolute in her mission to empower women, driven by a belief in the transformative power of community and collective action.

Beyond Her, women like Nong He and Tang Shuang are amplifying female voices through film screenings and literary initiatives. Nong He, a film and theater student, curates screenings of documentaries by female directors, while Tang Shuang, owner of Paper Moon bookstore, is leading the charge in promoting feminist discourse and intellectual exploration. Tang Shuang, the visionary behind Paper Moon, emphasizes the importance of storytelling in empowering women. "You need to have some real stories to encourage women," she asserts in an interview with The New York Times, highlighting the transformative power of literature in shaping perceptions and sparking meaningful conversations about feminism and gender equality.

At discreet gatherings, they confront stereotypes head-on, challenging the depiction of lonely ghosts as exclusively female in Chinese literature. "Why are lonely ghosts always female?" queries one woman, drawing parallels with Chinese literature’s depiction of homeless women after death, igniting discussions that probe the roots of gender bias and societal expectations. 

Paper Moon offers a curated collection of books by female authors, rooting into feminist history, social studies, and offering a curated selection of titles such as "The Woman Destroyed" and "Living a Feminist Life," fostering dialogue and reflection among patrons.Tang's bookstore serves as a sanctuary where women can find solace and inspiration amidst the pages of literature, challenging traditional narratives and fostering a sense of empowerment.

Beyond cultural discourse, women contend with the stark realities of gender-based violence and sexual harassment. Incidents of physical assault and brutal murders continue to shadow over their daily lives, causing a climate of fear and silence. These harrowing accounts, though often overlooked, throws weight on the urgent need for societal change and systemic reform. 

Balancing Cultural Significance and Political Sensitivity

Despite the cultural significance of these initiatives, women like Wang Xia, owner of Xin Chao Bookstore, must navigate the delicate balance between promoting women's narratives and avoiding political controversy. As Xin Chao Bookstore finds its place within Shanghai Book City, it symbolizes a small yet significant victory in the battle for women's visibility and empowerment.

"Not every city has a woman’s bookstore," Wang Xia tells NY Times, highlighting the importance of these cultural sanctuaries in fostering dialogue, empowerment, and social change Wang's bookstore offers a "woman-themed" space that celebrates female authors and fosters private conversations, yet she remains cautious not to overtly challenge the political establishment.