NEW WOMAN OF CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1933, Page 6 (Supplement)

NEW WOMAN OF CHINA.

A GRJAT RENAISSANCE.

An interesting and thought-provoking address was given by Mrs. C. H. Pao, wife of the Chinese Consul, at the Y.W.C.A. in ”Wellington this week. In describing the characteristics of the Chinese woman, Mrs. Pao said that no foreigner could remain long in China and doubt her potentialities. Her energy, her practical qualities and courage, had become self-evident during the past few years, and possibilities had become realities. Independence was the new cry with them.

Nowadays, said Mrs. Pao, the woman in China took a lively interest in politics. As far back as the Chinese revolution in 1911 there was talk of Chinese Amazons, who were measured for men’s uniforms with the intention of joining in the fight for nationalism, and a “Dare to Die” corps had been in existence since those days. During the recent Japanese invasion the Chinese women had organised themselves into a “Woman’s League for National Salvation” and had done good work. The executive committee of the National Federation of Chinese Women’s organisations had radioed an appeal to officials of European Women’s organisations to help in the cause of international peace.

Speaking of the part played by Chinese women in public life, Mrs. Pao said that there were now more than 400 women holding important places in the service of the National Government, in Nanking. They had also entered several business establishments, and for the first time men and women were walking hand in hand in the upbuilding of a new political life in China. Modem education was opening the eyes of the Chinese people to the advantage of new machinery and scientific research in the industrial development of their country, and their attention was being directed to the development of the unlimited wealth of the nation.

In conclusion, Mrs. Pao said that the present rulers of China were determined to instil into the minds of the children those high ideals of duty, service and patriotism which may have been lacking in their parents, and which were essential to the making of a strong and prosperous China.