Yi Tong, a deputy representing the science and technology sector at the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), is actively advocating for enhanced support for women in scientific fields. As a member of the Education, Science, Culture and Health Committee of Beijing Municipal People’s Congress and serving as the director of the Innovation and Development Strategy Research Institute at the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, she is a prominent voice for the importance of sci-tech innovation and women’s contributions to this sector.
The institute employs a workforce that is predominantly female, with 75% of its staff being women. In recognition of its commitment to empowering women, the All-China Women’s Federation honored the institute as a National March 8th Red-Banner Collective in March 2023.
Yi has dedicated her career to research, where she has observed the unique strengths women bring to scientific endeavors. She highlights that women often excel in natural sciences due to their exceptional observational skills, effective communication, and resilience under pressure. In social sciences, women tend to show strong empathy and emotional intelligence, allowing them to delve deeper into social issues and public health. These traits not only contribute to successful research outcomes but also infuse scientific discussions with diverse perspectives and innovative ideas.
During the recent NPC session, Yi advocated for initiatives aimed at enhancing the conditions for women in the workplace as part of the Women’s Action for Scientific and Technological Innovation. She proposed measures to create family-friendly environments in science and technology workplaces, urging the establishment of supportive facilities for mothers and infants, along with public childcare services. Yi emphasized the importance of flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and adaptable hours, to accommodate women’s familial responsibilities. Furthermore, she suggested the organization of extracurricular activities for children to support working parents.
Yi also highlighted the need for comprehensive birth-support policies to foster a nurturing society for child-rearing. She recommended extending paternity leave to encourage men to share caregiving duties, thus promoting a balanced approach to family responsibilities. Additionally, she called for greater support for young women, who are critical to driving forward innovation in science and technology.
Images courtesy of the Interviewee
