“Enable every woman who can work to take her place on the labour front, under the principle of equal pay for equal work.”
- December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976
- Born in China
- Politician, thinker
- He led the Chinese socialist revolution and succeeded in founding the country, but the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution brought much chaos and sacrifice.
Quote
“Enable every woman who can work to take her place on the labour front, under the principle of equal pay for equal work.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Mao Zedong’s strong belief in gender equality and the importance of women’s participation in the economic and social transformation of society. Mao argues that women should not only have the right to work, but should be fully integrated into the labour force, with the same rights and compensation as their male counterparts. The principle of equal pay for equal work is a call for economic justice, where a person’s gender should not determine their value in the workplace or their contribution to society. Mao’s commitment to this idea was part of his broader vision of social equality and his belief that true socialist transformation required the full empowerment of women.
Mao’s policies in revolutionary China sought to dismantle the traditional patriarchal structures that confined women to domestic roles, opening up opportunities for women in education, politics, and the workforce. This quote reflects his efforts to bring women into the labour front, which was central to both economic development and gender equality. By encouraging women to take part in the economic life of the nation, Mao sought to not only improve the status of women but also to harness the full potential of society, recognizing that both men and women are essential in building a strong and productive economy.
In modern terms, this quote remains a powerful call to action in advocating for gender equality in the workforce. Despite significant progress in many parts of the world, challenges like the gender pay gap, workplace discrimination, and the underrepresentation of women in certain sectors still persist. Mao’s principle of equal pay for equal work highlights the need for policies that ensure fair compensation and opportunity for women in all fields of work. It serves as a reminder that for a society to truly progress, it must empower all individuals, regardless of gender, to contribute fully to its development. Equal participation in the labour force not only benefits women, but also strengthens the entire economy and contributes to a more just and inclusive society.
