My Way into Women's Studies

Abstract

Back at home following a lot of consultations discussions and arguments the theme of the seminar emerged as follows: Women and Development -Status Health and Employment. I gradually became aware of the mainstream in the worlds womens movements as preparations were underway for the Fourth UN World Conference on Women to be held in China. Three UN conferences on women had been held already but we didnt know that Equality Development and Peace were the aims of the womens movements until 20 years after they had been set. That was why I connected the themes development and health with Chinese women for the seminar. The time was then ripe: Deng Xiaopings speeches during his inspection tour in south China had brought greater vitality to the reform. At the same time there was this surge for going into business and making a fortune and the seminar Women and Development-Status Health and Employment was proceeding full steam ahead on the campus of Tianjin Normal University in the hot summer of 1993. The President of our school personally attended the opening ceremony and made a speech extending a warm welcome from the school authorities. The Ford Foundation provided the financial support and we invited the leading scholars in womens studies in China and others noir studying and working abroad. The lectures and discussions went on day and night and lasted for two weeks. The seminar turned out to be a great success. It facilitated the formal setting up of the womens studies center at Tianjin Normal University; effectively promoted the development of womens studies in China; and facilitated international exchange in the field. (authors)