Hundred Days' Reform and Women's Education

The Hundred Days' Reform was a pivotal period in China's history that aimed to modernize the country in response to internal and external pressures. Among the various reforms proposed, the call for women's education and gender equality emerged as a significant focus. Reformers recognized that traditional gender roles were hindering progress towards modernization. They advocated for the end of practices such as foot binding, which symbolized the oppression of women and limited their participation in society. This movement marked a shift in societal attitudes towards women's rights and education, laying the groundwork for future advancements in gender equality in China. During this reform period, female reformers took the initiative to establish the Society for the Diffusion of Knowledge among Chinese Women (Nüxuehui). This organization was the first of its kind in China and played a crucial role in promoting women's education and awareness of their rights. The society aimed to educate women and empower them to contribute to society, thus challenging the traditional norms that confined them to domestic roles. The efforts of these early feminists were instrumental in fostering a sense of agency among women and set the stage for subsequent movements advocating for women's rights in China.