China
Gender Gap

In China, the gender gap refers to the disparities between men and women across various aspects of society, including employment, education, and political representation. Despite progress in recent years, significant inequalities persist, impacting women’s opportunities and outcomes.

In the workforce, Chinese women face challenges such as wage discrepancies, limited access to leadership positions, and a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. While efforts have been made to address these issues, women continue to earn less on average than men and are underrepresented in senior roles in the workforce.

Educationally, while Chinese women generally perform well academically and have high rates of educational attainment, they remain underrepresented in certain fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Social and cultural factors can hinder women’s pursuit of careers in these areas, limiting their professional opportunities and economic empowerment.

Political representation also presents a gap, with women holding fewer leadership positions in government and decision-making bodies. Although efforts have been made to increase female participation in politics, women remain underrepresented in elected offices and legislative chambers.

Addressing the gender gap in China requires concerted efforts from government, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Policies promoting gender equality, such as affirmative action measures and campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes, are crucial for fostering a more inclusive society.

By acknowledging and actively working to address the gender gap, China can create a more equitable environment where individuals of all genders have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to society’s progress.


World Economic Forum

Global Gender Gap Report China

The Global Gender Gap Report benchmarks countries on their progress towards gender parity across four thematic dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

2023
Rank: 107 (out of 146 countries)
Score: 0.678
report

2021
Rank: 107 (out of 156 countries)
Score: 0.682

2020
Rank: 106 (out of 153 countries)
Score: 0.676

2017
Rank: 100 (out of 144 countries)
Score: 0,674

2016
Rank: 99 (out of 144 countries)
Score: 0.676


UN Women China

Women Count Data Hub: China

Globally, some progress on women’s rights has been achieved. In China, the adolescent birth rate is 9.2 per 1,000 women aged 15–19 as of 2015, down from 11.2 per 1,000 in 2014. As of February 2021, 24.9% of seats in parliament were held by women. In 2001, 96.6% of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) had their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods.

Country Fact Sheet
> data.unwomen.org/country/china

CEDAW China

China ratified CEDAW in 1980 and is legally obliged to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women and advance gender equality. UN Women assists China to meet its obligations to implement CEDAW by strengthening the capacity of national partners. The spirit of CEDAW and BPFA has been affirmed by the Millennium Declaration and the MDGs.

UN Women China is the Secretariat for the United Nations Theme Group on Gender (UNTGG). The objective of the UNTGG is to serve as a forum and a channel for experience sharing in an effort to develop effective gender mainstreaming strategies and advocacy in the work of the UN system and the wider donor community.

The China Gender Facility (CGF) was established in 2004 by the UNTGG. Administered by UN Women, the objective of the CGF is to contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment in China.
> asiapacific.unwomen.org/about-un-women-china