Wealth, knowledge and looks are no longer the only key factors that make a man in China. From now on, should a gentleman wish to win fair maiden’s heart, respect and a firm belief in gender equality are also required.

 

For the first time in the country, women will choose "China's Top 10 Best Men of the Times" between April and December.

 

The exercise is aimed at promoting gender equality through male participation.

 

"Any Chinese man above the age of 18 who respects and cares about women and is willing to shoulder family responsibilities equally can be part of the competition," China Women's News editor-in-chief Lu Xiaofei said yesterday. China Women's News is one of the nine women-oriented papers organizing the event.

 

"Also, efforts should be made by the participants to promote gender equality and they should not have any record of domestic violence."

 

A competition evaluating male achievement by the way he treats women is a creative way to achieve gender equity, a director of the Woman's Studies Institute of China, Xiao Yang, said. Gender inequality can't end without men's participation.

 

In China, men control most of the resources. Therefore, it is crucial to have men understand and take part in gender equality projects.

 

For instance, in rural areas, 80 to 90 percent women suffer from genital infections. Unfortunately, despite efforts to treat them, the situation has not improved.

 

Only by increasing male awareness of the importance of safe and hygienic sex can treatment begin to work, Xiao said.

 

The first selection round for the competition will be held in eight cities, including Changsha, Dalian and Taiyuan.

 

The final 30 candidates' profiles will be published on a website on Women's Day on March 8. The winners will be declared in April.

 

(China Daily January 19, 2007)