Chinese trade unions issue notices to stop asking female job seekers about marital and childbearing status to combat discrimination at work amid government efforts to boost national birth rate. Despite government pressure for women to marry and have children, some companies have faced backlash for policies targeting single employees.
Key Points
Trade unions in China issue notices to companies to stop inquiring about marital and childbearing status of female job applicants
Chinese government encourages women to marry and have children to address declining population
Some companies facing backlash for policies targeting single employees
Gender equality remains a challenge in Chinese workplaces despite legal protections
Pros
Trade unions taking steps to protect female job seekers from discriminatory practices
Acknowledgment of challenges faced by women in the workplace
Cons
Uncertainty about whether companies will adhere to the new guidelines
Government pressure on women to conform to traditional gender roles