Wednesday, December 12, 2012 | 11:00 PM EST
Prominent rights activist, legislator and professor Wu Qing joined the National Committee Vice President Jan Berris in a program co-hosted by the National Committee and Asia Society on December 12, 2012. A well-known public figure in China, Wu Qing has built a reputation as a fearless legislator, human rights activist – particularly on behalf of women, and dedicated teacher.
Program Video:
She co-founded the Changping Practical Skills Training Center for Rural Women (now Beijing Cultural Development Center for Rural Women), which helps migrant women from impoverished areas gain economic independence through improved literacy, computer skills and legal training. She has worked hard to open public dialogue on the gender gap, family planning, childcare, sexual harassment, divorce, domestic violence, and many related issues. Wu Qing has received numerous awards in recognition of her career in public service and contribution to women’s rights, including most notably the 2001 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
In her 27 years as People’s Deputy in the Beijing People’s Congress, Wu Qing became known as the “Deputy of the Constitution” for her dedication to both rule of law and to her constituents.
She taught for English (and occasionally American Studies) from 1960 to 2000 at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, winning several awards for her excellence in the profession. During that time (from 1977 to 1979) she was seconded to the China Central Television (CCTV) to host the English on TV program and English on Sunday program, which brought her even greater recognition throughout China.
Wu Qing is a member of numerous NGO boards, including the Center for Asia Pacific Women in Politics and the Women’s World Summit Foundation, and serves as a Gender Specialist for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). She was named a Schwab Foundation Network Social Entrepreneur of 2003.
Click here for a program summary at the Asia Society website.