To make sure you remember who brought you into this world and who holds it down, the gods declared March 8th International Women's Day, a holiday in all communist and quasi-communist countries. For many women in China, this means a half-day off work and big sales at department stores. This year Women's Day falls on a weekend, so a group of women in Shanghai decided to throw a party instead of just doing some shopping or "having a rest."
Enter the first ever Shanghai Ladyfest, this Saturday at . It's a full day of activities with over 40 contributors: music from bands with female members like Goushen, female comedians, singers, photographers, and painters, plus food vendors, a market, self-defense classes, art workshops, and more 鈥� all for free. Yes, dudes can come too. For a schedule of events and activities you click .
Ahead of the event, I spoke with four of the organizers, Asia Palmowska, Amber Mizerak, Jessica Lum, and Jennifer Childs about Ladyfest and the female experience in Shanghai.
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SmSh: Where are you from, how long have you been in Shanghai, and what do you do?
Asia Palmowska: I'm Polish and I'm a director of online studies at English First and doing other things as well.
Amber Mizerak: My boyfriend and I moved to Shanghai in 2011. I was in Jiangxi for two years before that. Currently, I'm working as a freelance PR/Marketing consultant, relocation agent, Airbnb host and, of course, I tutor a bit.
Jessica Lum: I grew up in a small farm in California. I arrived in Shanghai August 2012. What initially brought me to China was to work on my Masters in International Studies and to teach English.
Jennifer Childs: I am originally from the East Coast of US 鈥� Born in Miami Florida, I lived in Puerto Rico as a kid, went to college in DC, spent a year chilling in Lafayette LA, lived in NYC for 5 years-. I moved to Dubai in 2008 and was in the Middle East for 3 years. Shanghai is the latest stop for me - I've been here 2.5 years.... I am an Interior Designer working on retail and hotels spaces.
SmSh: How did Ladyfest come about and how did you get involved?
Asia Palmowska: The idea all started when I lived in Poland. I was affiliated with this group of people called Gender Studies Research Group, and Ladyfest was something we did as well. It was an amazing experience. In Poland we also celebrate the 8th of March because it's a post-Communist country. Now that we've changed the profile, it became really a celebration of femininity as opposed to a day for the women in the working class. I also participated in a Ladyfest in the UK when I lived there. Last year I was thinking it would be really great to go out there and meet other women and share experiences, but I didn't know enough people. Six months down the line there was this group of friends that formed, and we started meeting, and this group started to be truly inspirational. We all thought March 8th was a really good moment to organize the Ladyfest.
Jennifer Childs: Asia said "Hey I am thinking about doing a Ladyfest in Shanghai would you be interested in helping?鈥� "Of course!" I said. You see, I was lucky enough to go to school in DC back in the day when Riot Girls were in full swing. I knew these girls personally - Allison Wolf from BratMobile, Christina Billote from Slant 6, Kathleen Hanna from Bikini Kill/Le Tigre! Those were the girls I looked up to. I went to see their shows every time they played. I remember when the first Ladyfest happened in Olympia in 2000 - they were at the forefront of this Girl Power/Girls Rock mindset. It was a really big deal. When it made it to the East Coast - NYC in 2001 and DC in 2002 - I was there for it!! Those years really shaped me as a woman. It makes sense that 14 years later I would be friends with strong, independent, and creative women that want to do a Ladyfest in Shanghai. I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.
SmSh: What should people expect on Saturday and why should they go?
Amber Mizerak: People should expect something a little different. A place where women and men can connect, synergize and come up with ways to make the world a better place, starting with Shanghai. Men and women should go because they say eighty percent of success is just showing up. Some men I know have been reluctant to come on Saturday fearing it will be a bunch of scary feminists, but that's not how I see it at all. I see a community of proactive people gathering together to create something special, showcasing women's talents, fears, achievements, challenges, etc. I hope to walk away with a new perspective and a load of great friends who don't just want to sit back and watch things happen, but rather change them.
Jennifer Childs: Expect to see some rad women doing their thing - from photography, spoken word, comedy, singing, rocking, performance art, cooking, design, art installations, Djing, roller-skating, to self defense classes and book readings. We are focusing on Women contributors, but the event will be open to everyone: ladies, gents, bi, gay, transgender folk - whatever - it is all about inclusion. Most importantly we want to create a space were women feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and feel inspired by each other. The objective is to empower women. This is a totally independent grassroots non-profit effort. You won't see any corporate sponsors there.
SmSh: Do you feel there's a lack of quality entertainment/networking opportunities for like-minded women in this city to meet, outside of business or special interest groups?
Asia Palmowska: There are definitely some initiatives, and they're great, like Basement 6 and Dr. Sketchys, but I think we could make this information more accessible; like having a special column. There are some places that you can read about LGBT issues, and it would be good to have something like that for women. There are a lot of networking opportunities like Shanghai Dolls, but I have an impression that it's more about business than the extra-curricular activities that we may engage in during our free time.
Jessica Lum: This is a very interesting question to answer. If you are a women reading this response, you may agree with the fact that it is difficult to make "girlfriends" outside of business or special interest groups. Shanghai is a big, transient city with a lot of people coming and going. In general you meet a lot of people, but you do not make a lot of friends. When you do find like-minded people, it is awesome to have them in your circle. The "quality" is out there, but you just have to find what you gravitate towards.
SmSh: What is it like being a female expat in Shanghai? A lot of male expats assume that it's hard to be a female laowai. Is this true?
Amber Mizerak: Sometimes it's hard, because living in another country can be difficult and frustrating at times and it's important to have a good support system. It was harder for me as a single woman, than it is being in a relationship. As a single female expat I felt a bit lonely. Women don't get treated the way they are used to being treated in the West. It's a catch 22 really. It's nice for a man to hold the door and not let it slam in your face, but at the same time, I feel a sense of independence here. I can open my own door. In a lot of ways, I'd say women - expat and Chinese- are quite equal to men in China. One of the best things about Shanghai is that I rarely feel threatened and I'm very thankful that I can walk around whenever I want and not feel scared.
Jessica Lum: As a female, American-born Chinese, I feel that I do receive a different experience in Shanghai. I do not necessarily feel that it is "harder" to be a female laowai as there are challenges that China presents to everyone. Overall, the experiences we all receive as expats in China are character building. Whether this question pertains to the career, social, economical, etc. standards, the challenges are welcomed.
Jennifer Childs: I love it here. Every day you see something new. You have to look through hungry eyes though - you can't be judgmental or expect things to be like they are back home. There are pro and cons to every situation, every place. To be honest my favorite thing about being a woman in Shanghai is that I feel safe. I never felt safe in DC, NYC, and Dubai - anywhere I have lived, really. But here violent crime towards women is so much less here. That is something that I cherish. I imagine being a single gal in Shanghai would be challenging for many reason but I am married to a fabulous man 鈥� so its not an issue for me.
SmSh: Does the glass ceiling exist in Shanghai? If so, to what extent and how have you experienced it?
Asia Palmowska: What I'm going to say is not representative of what Chinese women would tell you. For me, I don't see that opportunities are closed. I am very pleased with my job, and the glass ceiling has never been a problem for me.
Amber Mizerak: I think so. At my previous job, I was considered a 'stong woman' by my Chinese boss and he didn't mean it in a good way. I agree with Facebook's COO, Sheryl Sandberg, when she said "Your daughter isn't bossy, she has 'executive leadership skills'."
Jessica Lum: I do not feel there is a glass ceiling that exists in Shanghai. The opportunities are endless and the boundaries are being pushed further. I have experienced prejudice in the workplace as a Chinese American, though not as a female. These experiences "open" my eyes and makes me realize how "closed" others' eyes can be. In all, it pushes me to keep going forward.
Jennifer Childs: Sure. It exists everywhere. I am lucky to work for a company where there are many women in high power positions and management. So amazingly I feel my job has more opportunities for women that it would have back in the states. I think that is something interesting about China. They are growing so fast and the communist ethos about male and female equality is pretty ingrained here. I feel that professional women here have a good chance at getting far in their career. But it seems that unlike in the US - women here are either focused on family or their career, not both. That is a glass ceiling in itself. Having to choose between two things that we are naturally drawn to - I do think you can be successful at both if you have the right support from your family and partner.
SmSh: Is Women's Day important? Should we have one day that singles out women for being excellent? Doesn't that just further the idea that men and women are different instead of just striving to be more equal and inclusive every day?
Amber Mizerak: International Women's Day is important because women have come far, but we still have a long way to go. Having a day where you can reflect on where you've been and where you're going is important. Men and women are different and should be equal, but we aren't yet. Women still get paid $.77 to the dollar, and I think our generation has become complacent, or maybe I've become complacent, so this is at least getting me to think about issues facing women and figure out how I can help to make a difference.
Jessica Lum: Women's Day is a day of recognition and achievement. I don't feel that this one day singles out women for being excellent or furthers the idea of inequality on other days. This day is dedicated to highlight the accomplishments of the women gender and how it continually progresses in different facets. I think there should be a "Men's Day" and men should come together to make a "Gentsfest." Why not? I certainly would attend!
Jennifer Childs: I have mixed feelings about it. A part of me feels like 鈥淲hy do we need one special day to recognize women, our achievements, and our quest for equality - this should be on everyone's mind all the time!鈥� Then another part of me feels that we have to start somewhere. Like Martin Luther King Day back home - you are reminded of something that is bigger than you. And hopefully you can feel inspired to do everything you can that day to be the best you can be and continue that all year round. I also feel it is an important reminder to all Western, modern women that our sisters in other countries are still living in conditions that are no different than our own history hundreds of years ago. We need to continue to educate ourselves about this and find ways to educate everyone in the world about what is going. A world in which women can be equal participants will be a better world.
SmSh: Last question - who inspires you the most?
Asia Palmowska: Amelia Earhart, the first female pilot to go across the Atlantic alone, bcause she was beyond and above (literally) what women were expected to do. For her bravery, vision, and pioneer spirit. I also like her pilot hat.
Amber Mizerak: Grandma Pearl. She's the best. My family is full of 'strong women' and I'm grateful for that. I've been raised to be independent and it feels good to know that that whatever happens, I know I can take care of myself.
Jessica Lum: The women around me. Each and every one of them have a special attribute that I recognize and it inspires me to be a better person. I am surrounded by role models.
Jennifer Childs: My grandmother Marina! She taught me to be strong. To believe in myself! For her time (she was born in 1913) she was a radical thinker, an independent woman that chose not to marry or have children until her late 20's (that was an old maid at that time). She was a teacher all her life. I believe she touched everyone's life in a positive way. She stood for knowledge, she stood for freedom. She is always in my heart.
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happens this Saturday, March 8th from 2:00pm鈥�10pm at Uptown Records, followed by an afterparty next door at Logo from 10pm鈥搇ate.
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