Mar 6 • 02:12 UTC 🇨🇳 China South China Morning Post

China’s ‘two sessions’: adviser urges end to forced marriages of mentally ill rural women

An adviser at China's 'two sessions' has called for measures to end the forced marriages of mentally ill rural women, highlighting the need for support and legal reforms.

During China's annual 'two sessions,' Jiang Shengnan, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), emphasized the need to address the alarming issue of forced marriages involving mentally ill women from rural areas. She pointed out that the lack of support systems has placed these women in vulnerable positions, making them susceptible to being coerced into marriages primarily for their families' financial gain. Jiang expressed concern about the inadequate legal penalties that do not sufficiently deter such rights violations.

Jiang proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes the establishment of crisis intervention centers and reporting hotlines to better assist these women. The campaign she advocates would focus on various aspects such as preventive education, discovering and rescuing victims, placing them in safe environments, providing rehabilitation, and ensuring judicial relief. Her initiative aims to create a robust prevention mechanism that addresses the complexities surrounding forced marriages in rural communities, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change.

This call to action reflects a broader concern about women's rights and mental health in China, particularly in rural areas where traditional norms can lead to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. By raising this issue at the 'two sessions,' Jiang not only brings attention to a critical social problem but also pushes for legislative changes that could greatly improve the lives of many women who are currently suffering in silence due to societal pressures and inadequate legal protections.

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