A Barnard College Symposium

Women Changing China (中文)

March 19, 2009
Beijing, China

At our first-ever symposium in China, Barnard College honored the legacy of Kang Tongbi, one of China’s early reformers and the first Chinese woman to attend Barnard a century ago.

Women Changing China brought together some of the most prominent women in China today – a media mogul, an acclaimed author, an award-winning filmmaker, and a renowned advocate for women’s rights. Through their leadership in government, commerce, academia, and the arts, these extraordinary women have echoed and built upon the work of Kang. With Barnard President Debora Spar serving as moderator, they shared their stories of success and their unique perspectives.

It has been a century since Kang Tongbi followed the inspiration of her father, political reformist Kang Youwei, and helped to eliminate the traditional practice of foot-binding in China. Her activism contributed to a wave of improvements for the lives of women in her country, a role that women continue to play in advancing the role of women and in shaping and developing China.

» Photos, video and transcript of the symposium

This symposium is made possible by the generous support of Paul Hastings.