Women's Growing Presence in Traditionally Male-Dominated Fields Amid Persistent Challenges

Women are steadily becoming a stronger presence within the professional world, stepping confidently into roles and fields that have historically been dominated by men. Meng Yuan, who works at the Guang'an branch of State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Co., emphasizes this evolution by highlighting how women are today actively involved in high-skill activities like inspecting or repairing ultra-high voltage power line equipment—a role once considered exclusively male. She attributes this growing involvement to enhanced education and more confident attitudes among women, asserting confidence as central to realizing women's value, along with the necessity of lifelong learning for personal and professional growth.

Echoing this perspective, Zhang Jingjing, the dean of the International School at Jingdezhen Ceramic University, points out that women have increasingly demonstrated their competence and talent in areas traditionally viewed as male territories, such as technology, finance, and politics. According to Zhang, consistent effort to develop professional skills remains essential. Importantly, she also calls for women to actively challenge unfair practices, breaking the culture of silence by openly speaking out for their rights, allowing genuine talent to gain recognition.

Du Wei, who directs the Graduate School of Guizhou Minzu University, emphasizes the need for continuing policies that foster gender equality, aligning with the principles established at the Beijing World Conference on Women. Du suggests specific steps—such as providing public facilities like mother-and-baby rooms and workplace childcare—to create a better environment for women's career growth. She highlights how traditional gender views in rural or underprivileged areas still significantly limit women's access to education, skills, and advancement opportunities. Additionally, Du argues that enhancing women's digital literacy is crucial, particularly with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, to empower women as capable workers skilled in innovation and modern technologies.

Finally, Dong Yuelin, vice-dean at Liuzhou Institute of Technology, points to persistent problems regarding employment biases against women due to marital and childbearing considerations. Dong emphasizes her commitment—as a female delegate to the National People's Congress—to raising awareness around these challenges, providing a woman's perspective in policy recommendations, and advocating for substantive support to address women's workplace concerns.