In light of the International Women's Day on March 8, women's rights are once again in the spotlight.

A commentary in China Daily says that although Chinese women have made progress in obtaining gender equality, much still needs to be done to ensure women's rights in many aspects of life.

On one hand, Chinese women are indeed playing a bigger role in political and social spheres. Women's political participation at the National People's Congress, or NPC, has increased. Female deputies to the 11th NPC, China's top legislature, account for 21.33 percent of the attendees, up more than one percentage point over the 10th NPC. These female NPC deputies and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference are also actively voicing their opinions and suggestions concerning China's development.

On the other hand, the paper says Chinese women are facing more problems resulting from today's complicated economic and social structure. The paper cites Xu Tao, a female CPPCC member, who stresses that female college graduates are facing increasing discrimination in the job hunting process. Most employers are reluctant to hire women, saying that women are not as energetic as their male colleagues after they get married. As Xu points out, such discrimination will result in a vicious downward cycle, forcing female graduates into unemployment.

As far as uneducated women are concerned, the paper says women at lower social strata need more attention and protection. Many female migrant workers work only part-time, under poor conditions. They are in great need of more safety nets to help them pay their medical bills, their children's tuition, and their welfare.

The commentary concludes by saying that a prosperous Chinese society should further take into account women's political and social rights, as well as their welfare.