Abstract Book of the 7th Global Conference on Women’s Studies
Year: 2025
[PDF]
Gender Discrimination in Employment: Challenges and Coping Strategies for Women in China
Yunning Wang
ABSTRACT:
This study explores the challenges faced by women in China’s labor market, focusing on the negative impact of the three-child policy on women’s career development. Although the policy aims to increase birth rates and address the issue of an aging population, the extended maternity leave has led employers to avoid hiring women, fearing the costs and frequent absences associated with marriage and childbirth. As a result, women often encounter discrimination
during job applications and promotions, while men enjoy greater opportunities in the job market. Traditional gender roles and family expectations further restrict women’s participation in the workforce, as many households still expect women to take on the primary responsibility for childcare. This leaves women struggling to balance their careers with domestic obligations. Moreover, societal stereotypes about women exacerbate workplace gender inequality. This study calls on governments and businesses to implement more inclusive workplace policies, such as improving childcare support, reducing discrimination related to childbirth, and encouraging men to share family responsibilities, in order to promote gender equality.
Keywords: Three-Child Policy; Motherhood Penalty; Gender Wage Gap; Gender Inequality in the Workplace; Women’s career development