n have progressed slowly in gaining access to political power. there is no woman among the seven members of the standing committee in the political bureau, no woman in the governmental ministerial positions. doubts as to women`s capability are deeply rooted in chinese culture.

　　to be honest, in my opinion, women are no less competent than men. but the double burden they have to carry inside and outside home renders it impossible for them to make full use of their knowledge and talents. much of their energy is spent bandling the conflicting demands of career and family. even if they hold leadership positions, they are still expected to do most of the household chores. this leaves them less time than men for their duties at work. tortured by self-fulfillment and family responsibility, chinese women are always taught to sacrifice themselves.

　　the picture of women`s liberty is not quite that rosy. paid maternity leave or few cases of female leadership mean nothing.the resistance to treat women as equals of men is profound and stubborn so that equality continues to be the long term goal of chinese women.