An exchange that makes a difference: German-Chinese delegation visit on women's rights, child protection and equality

08/06/2025

How can social progress be achieved? With this question in mind, a high-ranking delegation from the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) visited Munich at the invitation of the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSS) at the end of June 2025. For three days, experts from politics, academia, law enforcement, civil society and government exchanged views on current challenges and concrete solutions for women's rights, child protection, gender equality and digitalisation. The intensive exchange revealed that dialogue inspires and can help to bring about concrete improvements.

Women and politics – insights into the Bavarian State Parliament

In the Bavarian State Parliament, the participants from China, led by ACFV Secretary General Na Yanfang, discussed legal instruments to combat domestic violence, child protection mechanisms and the structural underrepresentation of women in politics with CSU member of parliament and Deputy Secretary General Tanja Schorer-Dremel.

DigiMINT - Discussions at the LMU

The importance of early support in STEM subjects became clear in a discussion with Dr. Yves Jeanrenaud at LMU: digital education can be a lever for breaking traditional role patterns and inspiring more women to pursue careers in technology. Role models are also important in China, and well-known scientists are trying to contribute to this. For example, a maths competition for schoolgirls has been launched, and the first 20 winners will be able to study directly at Tsinghua University.

Exhcange at the Munich and Upper Bavaria Chamber of Industry and Commerce

A visit to the Munich and Upper Bavaria Chamber of Industry and Commerce provided insights into economic conditions and opportunities. Among other things, the focus was on female entrepreneurship, securing skilled workers and family-friendly working environments. The Girls' Day ‘I'm going to be the boss’ and the ‘Bavarian Family Pact’ project showed in a practical way how equality can be achieved in business. The Chinese side contributed additional perspectives on work-life balance, part-time work and financing hurdles for female entrepreneurs – challenges that are recognised and shared by both sides.

A highlight was the expert discussion on protecting women from violence at the Hanns Seidel Foundation, which was held together with representatives from the Bavarian Ministry of Social Affairs, the police, the NGO Terre des Femmes, and with the participation of the deputy chair of the HSS, Ms. Susanne Breit-Keßler. Both sides described existing protection systems and emphasised the need for close cooperation between government and civil society bodies, as well as a profound change in society's mindset.

The delegation was accompanied by Ms Debora Tydecks-Zhou, HSS project manager in Beijing. Representatives from the Department of Family and Children, the Department of International Affairs, the Department of Development and the Department of Rights and Interests of the ACFV took part in the visit.

The delegation trip underlines that exchange on an equal footing opens up new perspectives. It builds trust, provides impetus for change and encourages mutual learning.