Shanxi law shields women from bias, online violence

A revised regulation aimed at enhancing protection for women in Shanxi province, particularly against age-based discrimination, online harassment and inheritance inequality, took effect on Monday.

The provincial legislature approved the updated Implementation Measures for the Law on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests on Sept 24.

The measures explicitly prohibit insults and discrimination against unmarried women over a certain age, as well as mistreatment of infertile women and women who have daughters or children with disabilities.

Online harassment targeting women is also banned. Platforms must swiftly remove infringing content, block access or restrict accounts once notified, while women and their families are entitled to demand action.

Under the backdrop of digitalization, the violation of women's rights — from workplace sexual harassment to gender discrimination — has become more hidden, with defamation of unmarried women over a certain age a growing social concern, said Wang Juhua, a second-level inspector with the Social Affairs Committee of the Shanxi Provincial People's Congress.

The revision addresses new challenges such as online violence and subtle employment discrimination, while also responding to the need for better maternity and career support after the implementation of the three-child policy, Wang said.

On property matters, the rules state that women cannot be stripped of rural collective economic rights because of their marital status or the absence of male household members. Their equal inheritance rights must also be protected from outdated local practices.

For many, the measures represent a turning point.

Liu Jingxin, a 36-year-old from Shanxi, said she has long faced relatives' prying questions, strangers' judgmental stares and suitors doubting whether "something was wrong" with her because she is not married. Neighbors once whispered that her successful career "meant nothing" without a husband.

"Earlier, I just put up with those people," Liu said. "Now, with this law, I can politely remind people their words are inappropriate." She said her mother has also changed her attitude, now shielding her from unwanted blind dates and supporting her decision to live life at her own pace.

Liu said she plans to help raise awareness of the measures among her colleagues and friends, hoping more women will feel empowered.

The regulation also strengthens protection for female minors. Companies and organizations that work closely with them must establish employment inquiry and prohibition systems. They should not hire individuals with criminal records involving sexual assault, abuse, trafficking, violent injury or other illegal acts. If such a record is discovered after hiring, the employee must be dismissed immediately.

Wang Yunying, former vice-chairperson of the Shanxi Provincial Women's Federation, said efforts are underway to ensure the measures are fully implemented. Plans include community legal education campaigns, improvements to women's rights protection platforms, streamlined access to the 12338 women's rights hotline, and stronger cooperation among relevant departments.

The goal, she said, is to enhance women's sense of gain, happiness and security through comprehensive enforcement.