Women Hold Up Half the Sky
(Yohana Tewelde, National Union of Eritrean Women in the department of the Higher Education Institutions of the Union)
I first visited China in 2014 as a delegation in the Young Africa Leaders Forum with other four delegates, being the only female. Then I was given the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree in 2018. I joined China Women’s University, in the 2 years program, Master of Social Work in Women’s Leadership and Social Development which is a critical and cross-cutting issue globally.
China women’s University (Zhong guo Nui zi Xue Yuan) is located in the capital Beijing. It is the first state-owned women’s university, affiliated with All China Women’s Federation. With more than 70 years of development, it has become one of the major centers to mentor Chinese women talents. As part of Chinese and global women’s education network, China women’s University has attached great importance to research and social services, playing a leading role in research fields such as gender studies, gender equality, rights and interests’ protection for women and children, women in media and women’s leadership.
The university is well-equipped with all necessary house stuffs, fixtures and furniture which really made us feel like we were home. We had everything, except injera baking stove (mogogo as we call) as it is our staple food, and was missed deeply by many but it got adopted anyway. Amazingly, we had free movie and birthdays cards each year. Honestly, we were treated with privilege and as gentries I would say more than any other international student in other universities if I am not exaggerating. Ni hao, Xie Xie, Dui bu qi, bu shi, lai lai, bu ke qi, ni yao shen ma, duo shao chian, mian bao, mi fan, nin gui xing are some of the very first and unforgettable words everyone wanted to know. And of course, taobao online shopping which made many have sleepless nights, dumplings, chopsticks and the warm water you are served with everywhere.The visits to the Great Wall of China, Tian’an men Square, the Forbidden City, the West Lake all the other historical and tourism sites were wonderful and will always remain in my heart. On the of top beautiful scenario and the strong construction of these sites, their history is way beyond imagination, they display the civilization, resilience and patriotism of all Chinese people and dynasties.
“Women hold up half the sky”, is the driving motto of Chinese women, and the leading party,Communist Party of China. With this belief, women are guaranteed equal rights and opportunities in all public and private spheres. Of course, this was not given as a gift to Chinese women, they had fought and thrived to reach where they are now. And the role of Mr. Mao Tse Dong can’t be neglected in changing Chinese’s women’s oppression to opportunities. One example is, the Marriage Law. Women were deprived of their basic rights regarding marriage.The legal marriage age, polygamy, rights for divorce and other factors were some of the very first amended rules with the coming of new China. The reform and open up policy in 1979, was also a great bridge of transition to better opportunities and platforms for Chinese women.During my stay at China Women’s University, I had the opportunity to participate in various national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, forums and field visits at historical, economic, social and agricultural sites as part of the academic requirement on top of the class courses. As seeing is believing, the development status I saw there can’t be expressed in words or I may devalue it if I try to. Chinese Women’s participation in the national development program is an indispensable factor as they are half part of the society and becoming pacesetter of development. As such, their role in leadership and decision-making positions, socio-economic sector, science and technology,preserving culture, keeping justice and so on is a lesson to be learned by many countries.All China Women’s Federation plays a vital role to promote women’s status in all sectors.
As part of my field work visit to Zhejiang and Guangdong Provinces, I have witnessed that women are the leading agents of many private and public institutions. In a visit at Shantou University in Guangdong Province, there is a special hall for women named, “Esther Hall”. The motto of this hall is to enhance girls’ leadership and core qualities, moreover, to create and cultivate women of “self-esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance, broad horizon and healthy attitude,and all-round development.”
The other thing that inspired me a lot was the “China National Museum of Women and Children”. It is common to have a museum that tells a country’s history, culture and tradition,but a museum specially for women, is astonishing. There are Halls of Women in Ancient,Modern and Contemporary China. The ancient one showcases women in historical sequence,the vital role of Chinese Women in the progress if human civilization, and traces the changes in their status throughout history. The other halls also have their own display of Chinese Women chronologically. Every museum, buildings I visited had a story to tell, a meaning to reveal and emotions to express. Preserving own history and culture is a dignity for eternity. What I liked in any lecture was, old quotes and sayings were being mentioned. China has succeeded in passing its culture smoothly from generation to another.The achievement in education, infrastructure, science and technology, economy and other factors is marvelous, don’t even have enough words to express my thoughts. The Sustainable Rural Development program is also another thing that inspired me about China.The social relation and intimacy that Chinese people have with nature is something to express as well.Time management and organization are the most crucial assets to Chinese people. This has always amazed and is what I want to really inherit. I was lucky enough to participate in the 70th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and China Women’s University, and International Women’s Day in 2019. And the performance was extraordinary.
On top of all the distinguished people I met in China, I had the privilege to meet the First Lady of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Peng Liyuan thanks to my university. And we sang the famous country song “Hao you de meli de moli qua together for her honor.” Translated as the Beautiful Jasmine Flower.
Had it not been for the birth of the “Socialism with Chinese characteristics” ideology, China wouldn’t have come this far. A country that does what it preaches and walks what it talks. A restless country always turning promises in to actions, making endeavors for a better China. Every time I visited China, what really struck me was the saying “Even after a journey of 100 years our vision and belief remain unchanged.” “Changing Times, Unchanging Promise.” This shows the unwavering legacy of leadership.
Long Live Eritrea and China Friendship!