Chinese Women and Success

New research shows more Chinese women are using their talents and perseverance to further their careers, even surpassing American women in some areas. What can we learn from them?

They have high ambitions: 75 percent of surveyed Chinese women seek top corporate jobs, compared to only 50 percent of American women.

Though there was a lack of opportunity, development and retention for women leaders in Asia just a few years back, studies now show women are seen as essential to China’s businesses and economy. And they’re gaining presence in the classroom: Chinese women now acquire bachelor degrees at nearly the same rate as men and make up almost half of MBA recipients.

“Educated Chinese women have been a central part of China’s economic progress over the last three decades,” says Ripa Rashid, co-author of Winning the War for Talent in Emerging Markets. “Yet there has been little attention paid to their contribution [before now].”

Rashid says cultural traditions urging docility and a focus on domestic responsibilities have impacted working Chinese women. Despite plenty of access to childcare, 95 percent of the women say they feel responsible for the care of elder relatives, a common Chinese tradition.

Bonus PINK Link: Find out how having fearless ambition can help you get ahead.

By Brittani Banks  

“I do not wish them to have power over men,
but over themselves.”  Mary Wollstonecraft