Can Human Rights Abuses Mean Better Jobs for Women?

Is there a correlation between human rights abuses and women succeeding in the workplace?  One would think not, but consider the recent Newsweek article, The Women Who Want to Run the World.   What do we know about China?  It’s ruled by the Communist Party of China, censors radio and television, kills protesters, has an ongoing dispute with the Dalai Lama (perhaps the most peaceful man on the planet) and just a few years ago the Paramilitary police fired on monks and nuns who were marching in support of the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet.

But…they promote women in the workplace.  In fact, according to the article 31 percent of women in China are executives compared to 20 percent in America.  And,  “half of the 14 female billionaires on Forbes’s 2010 list of the world’s wealthiest people were from mainland China.”

The story cites a study done by the Center for Work-Life Policy that found only 33 percent of college educated American women consider themselves ambitious compared to 66 percent of Chinese women.   In the work place, more than 75 percent of Chinese women are corporate executives compared to just over 50 percent of American women.

How is this possible?  In America, we are free to speak, organize, and even challenge the government.  But, in the U.S. only about 17 percent of Congress is made up of women compared to China’s 21 percent.

How can human rights abuses go on in a country with so many women leaders?  Do I need to rethink my theory on what would happen if women ruled the world?

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Stunned & Confused

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