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Cherie Blair, the wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is in China to promote equal rights for women worldwide. Karyn Piechule reports
Cherie Blair, the wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, spoke at the Bookworm, a bookstore in Sanlitun, Wednesday night, promoting equal rights for women in China and around the world. The event was a book talk and signing for her 2008 memoir Speaking for Myself, where she took the opportunity to speak about the struggles she faced as a woman and encouraged men and women to work together to create a more equal balance.
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 Cherie Blair, at the Bookworm, a bookstore in Sanlitun, Beijing, promoting equal rights for women. Provided to China Daily |
Blair is spending a few days in China, attending the book event in Beijing, traveling to Shanghai to visit the World Expo, and to speak at the British Chinese Law Association program. Her husband is also spending time in China for his Faith Foundation.
The accomplished women's rights advocate said during the intimate gathering that it is up to women to "make their own choices in life," in order to become more successful within society.
"We're seeing women go through a change in China, women can have a family life as well as be successful in their career," Blair said.
She said that, worldwide, the tradition of "men working while women stay at home" is being replaced by women having a stronger, more independent role within the community.
"We need the talent of all of our people if we are going to succeed in a global economy," she said.
Speaking to almost 130 guests, Blair recalled the past experiences that she chronicles in her book, which depicts the choices she made that led to her enjoying a successful career and family life.
Blair explained that during the 1970s when she was studying at the London School of Economics, even though being surrounded by men and being one of a few women in the law program, Blair rose to the top of her class, and graduated with honors.
"Across Europe at that time, it wasn't common for girls to make it to the top," she said. "It was the culture at the time. Even if you were qualified it was very difficult to get a job."
While her education and career were both challenged because she was a woman, Blair was dedicated to overcoming the obstacles and becoming successful.
Today, attached to many women's rights organizations and charity groups, Blair has dedicated her time to empowering women to try and equalize human rights.
Belinda Poole, a lawyer from Canberra Australia says, "Women have achieved a lot but there are still subtle boundaries so I think it is important to hear talks like tonight."
After the book talk, Blair went on to answer questions from the audience, many of which focused on what women could specifically work on to have a more equal society.
Within China, Blair believes there should be more women in politics and explained that she is impressed with the Chinese education system, which has promoted more free thinking and seen women become more interested in male-dominated fields.
"It's important for her (Blair) to come to places in developing nations because she is starting to pry open the doors on other types of reforms," said Sibo Wang, 18, a student in the United States. "She is changing traditional mindsets and attitudes about women."
Recently, Cherie Blair became involved with a cause called the Asian University for Women, which gives out free university education to young girls in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
"If you met these girls and heard their stories, it's astonishing how much they've struggled to get an education," she said.
Blair said that it is important for men and women to work together to ensure equal rights for women.
"If we don't stand up for human rights and against discrimination, it's everyone that loses," she said.
