'HeForShe' Campus Campaign Arrives at the Central University of Finance and Economics

Group photo of the participants in the promottional event of "HeForShe" at  the Central University of Finance and Economics [Women of China/Fan Wenjun]

A promotional event for a worldwide UN campaign to get men more involved in the discussion and protection of women's rights, "HeForShe," was held for students at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing on June 11.

On the day, famous Chinese actor Tong Dawei shared his thoughts and experiences on promoting men's participation in gender equality. Julia Broussard and Ma Leijun from the organization UN Women, and Duan Guohui from the International Liaison Department of the All-China Women's Federation also attended the activity.

The "HeForShe" campaign is an initiative by UN Women which seeks to engage men and boys around the world to participate in improving gender equality. It calls on men to support women's rights and give more opportunities for women and girls to develop their own potential, helping them to get involved in more economic and social development activities and improve their quality of life. The campaign was originally introduced at Tsinghua University on April 12, signaling its official launch in China.

Duan and Broussard deliberated on the campaign and the status quo of gender equality respectively. Tong called on an increasing number of male students to actively take part in the campaign and build up a favorable environment to benefit both men and women. The audience also watched a video speech by Emma Watson, actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, at which she launched the global "HeForShe" campaign last September.

Tong said, "Previously I had misunderstood 'HeForShe' and gender equality because many women are 'holding up half the sky', especially at home. Later I began to consider to this topic more carefully and talked with officials at UN Women. I realized that women should be given more chances to develop their potential in society, instead of just at home. We should not leave them to be fighting their causes alone."

Students at the event [Women of China/Fan Wenjun]

Julia Broussard speaks for the event. [Women of China/Fan Wenjun]

Duan Guohui  speaks for the event. [Women of China/Fan Wenjun]

Tong Dawei shares his thoughts and experiences at the university. [Women of China/Fan Wenjun]

Interaction between Tong Dawei and students [Women of China/Fan Wenjun]

(Women of China)