Paper warns against job discrimination as two-child policy dawns

The People's Daily published a signed commentary warning of discrimination against female job seekers as the recently passed two-child policy allows women to have another child.

There has been concern among women that the new two-child policy, which took effect January 1, could mean further barriers in employment as a another child means an additional maternity leave and more time requirements outside of a job in order to care for children.

The commentary cited a popular joke circulating on social media following the introduction of the two-child policy, which said the most appealing words on a female job seekers' resume would be "married, with two kids."

The quip reflects widespread concern that the two-child policy, which replaced the decades-old one-child policy, might exacerbate inequality faced by women on the job market, the commentary said.

The concern is justified, it said. Although there are few cases of blatant refusal against female job seekers, insidious discrimination still exists.

Employers should live up to their social responsibility, rather than caring solely about their cost and profits. But the solution should not rely strictly on employer morality, the commentary said.

Laws and regulations need to be enacted to hold employers accountable for job discrimination against women and the entire society should help care for the requirements of children, rather than women alone.

Wang Pei'an, an official with the National Health and Family Planning Commission, told a news conference in Nov. 2015 that they will work to improve and adjust the maternity and paternity leave system.

On Monday, vice premier Liu Yandong called for improved public services related to family planning, kindergarten and preschool education in order to support the two child policy, while visiting maternal & child care and child education institutions in Beijing. Endi