China doles out more support for female employees

China will be giving more support to female workers, after its top legislative body passed a newly amended law. 

The revised law underlines that employers must not restrict female employees from promotion or obtaining technical skills due to circumstances like marriage, pregnancy, maternity leave, or breastfeeding, China Daily reported.

The law, which comes into effect January 1 next year, also forbids the sexual harassment of women via words, text messages, physical acts, or any other means. Under such circumstances, women are encouraged to report to government departments or public security authorities, or initiate a civil lawsuit if they are sexually harassed.

Employers are required to set up a dedicated team or personnel responsible for handling sexual harassment, and create reporting channels, such as email addresses or telephone numbers, for female employees.

Authorities like government agencies, village and community committees must also report, rescue and help women if they discover they are being trafficked or abducted. 

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“These contents aim to guarantee special protection for women in line with their practical demands in work and life and respond to issues that have been frequently complained about among the public,” said Guo Linmao, an official from the Legislative Affairs Commission with the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.