Opinion: New Provisions protect female workers

Fourteen years have passed since the State Council first promulgated regulations protecting female employees. Since then, China has experienced unprecedented growth of its economy and changes to traditional culture. A new generation of female workers has emerged, demanding better treatment and working conditions. The Ministry of Human Resources and local governments have promulgated multiple pieces of legislation during this time to protect female workers. This legislation slowly raised the standards for female employees. However, when the State Council promulgated the Special Provisions for the Work Protection of Female Employees (女职工劳动保护特别规定) on April 28 2012, it sent a clear message the country is ready to provide protection in line with international standards.