CPPCC Member: Flexible Work Schedules Can Reduce Burden for

Guo Jianchun, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference () and Vice President of , recently called for more flexible work schedules for female employees in various industries.

China's universal , which came into effect on January 1, 2016, has brought happiness to many families, but it also challenges women in the workplace, said Guo.

She argued that most ambitious young women of childbearing age face pressure at work, because giving birth and raising a second child calls for a heavy investment in time, energy and capital, which amplifies the difficulty to balance their home life and career.

Meanwhile, Guo says the two-child policy increased the "hidden discrimination" found in women's employment.

For employers with a large proportion of , maternity leave can  disrupt work conditions or bring additional employment costs. Therefore, many employers prefer to hire men under the same conditions.

Guo suggested the introduce relevant policies to encourage more employers to implement flexible work schedules through political support and financial subsidies.

She also recommended that such measures should initially be implemented in colleges, primary and secondary schools, hospitals and banks to alleviate pressures in balancing family and work.

"It is extremely important to clarify employers' legal responsibilities for violating equal employment, so I suggest further defining women's legal interests in such related laws as the Law on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests and Employment Promotion Act," concluded Guo.

"We also should help employers solve practical problems and create a good environment for women's employment."

(Source: Xinhua/Translated and edited by )