Latest items for China
June 25, 2025, 9:07 a.m.
Countries: China
Variables: AFE-DATA-1
According to the UN Statistical Yearbook, GPI for upper secondary school in China is 1.02 in 2021 (CEC2 - CODER COMMENT).
Variables: AFE-DATA-1
According to the UN Statistical Yearbook, GPI for upper secondary school in China is 1.02 in 2021 (CEC2 - CODER COMMENT).
May 1, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: MURDER-PRACTICE-2
"It is not the first time conflict has arisen over the caili, a sum of money paid by the groom-to-be to the bride’s family to secure the marriage. In fact, there has been so much controversy and so many disputes over this tradition that the Supreme Court recently issued guidelines on future rulings, to be implemented from February 1" (par. 4).
Variables: MURDER-PRACTICE-2
"It is not the first time conflict has arisen over the caili, a sum of money paid by the groom-to-be to the bride’s family to secure the marriage. In fact, there has been so much controversy and so many disputes over this tradition that the Supreme Court recently issued guidelines on future rulings, to be implemented from February 1" (par. 4).
May 1, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: MURDER-PRACTICE-1
"In one of the most brutal murders disclosed by the Shenzhen legal authorities last year, 19-year-old Xiaomin lost her life over just 55,000 yuan (US$7,600). She was stabbed to death by her ex-fiancé Ah Jin in a dispute involving the Chinese custom of a betrothal gift, or 'bride price.' The two were engaged and Ah Jin paid Xiaomin’s mother the money, promising to get married once Xiaomin reached the legal marrying age of 20. But, after spending time with each other’s families, the young couple started bickering and soon broke up. Ah Jin asked for the money back, but was turned down. Infuriated, he bought a knife and confronted Xiaomin...more
Variables: MURDER-PRACTICE-1
"In one of the most brutal murders disclosed by the Shenzhen legal authorities last year, 19-year-old Xiaomin lost her life over just 55,000 yuan (US$7,600). She was stabbed to death by her ex-fiancé Ah Jin in a dispute involving the Chinese custom of a betrothal gift, or 'bride price.' The two were engaged and Ah Jin paid Xiaomin’s mother the money, promising to get married once Xiaomin reached the legal marrying age of 20. But, after spending time with each other’s families, the young couple started bickering and soon broke up. Ah Jin asked for the money back, but was turned down. Infuriated, he bought a knife and confronted Xiaomin...more
May 1, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-5
"It is not the first time conflict has arisen over the caili, a sum of money paid by the groom-to-be to the bride’s family to secure the marriage. In fact, there has been so much controversy and so many disputes over this tradition that the Supreme Court recently issued guidelines on future rulings, to be implemented from February 1" (par. 4). "Last year, local governments across China cracked down on what they called 'ugly marriage traditions'. One city had kicked off a campaign to look for 'the most beautiful mother-in-law' who didn’t ask for too much money, and another had single women sign a letter promising not to marry for...more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-5
"It is not the first time conflict has arisen over the caili, a sum of money paid by the groom-to-be to the bride’s family to secure the marriage. In fact, there has been so much controversy and so many disputes over this tradition that the Supreme Court recently issued guidelines on future rulings, to be implemented from February 1" (par. 4). "Last year, local governments across China cracked down on what they called 'ugly marriage traditions'. One city had kicked off a campaign to look for 'the most beautiful mother-in-law' who didn’t ask for too much money, and another had single women sign a letter promising not to marry for...more
May 1, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: MARR-LAW-4
"The guidelines make clear that asking for money or property in the name of marriage is forbidden. In general, in cases where the two parties were married but got divorced, caili should not be given back, but it is more likely to be returned if the couple were just engaged and living together. It also included a list of what’s not considered caili, such as birthday presents" (par. 5-6). "Prior to the court guidelines, the Chinese government had repeatedly taken aim at exorbitant bride prices, to keep marriages affordable, especially as the country is facing a rapid population decline" (par. 8).
Variables: MARR-LAW-4
"The guidelines make clear that asking for money or property in the name of marriage is forbidden. In general, in cases where the two parties were married but got divorced, caili should not be given back, but it is more likely to be returned if the couple were just engaged and living together. It also included a list of what’s not considered caili, such as birthday presents" (par. 5-6). "Prior to the court guidelines, the Chinese government had repeatedly taken aim at exorbitant bride prices, to keep marriages affordable, especially as the country is facing a rapid population decline" (par. 8).
May 1, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: LO-PRACTICE-1, LO-LAW-1
"Already, Chinese women are not guaranteed their basic rights. Last month, Zhou Xiaoyu, a woman in Zhejiang, lost a lawsuit against her village for her rightful claim of land, just because she’s married. The village elders saw her as part of her husband’s family, and voted against giving her compensation for the land in the village, even though she had never moved out" (par. 15).
Variables: LO-PRACTICE-1, LO-LAW-1
"Already, Chinese women are not guaranteed their basic rights. Last month, Zhou Xiaoyu, a woman in Zhejiang, lost a lawsuit against her village for her rightful claim of land, just because she’s married. The village elders saw her as part of her husband’s family, and voted against giving her compensation for the land in the village, even though she had never moved out" (par. 15).
May 1, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ISSA-DATA-2
"In a January report, the National Bureau of Statistics said that, by the end of 2023, there were 30 million more men than women, with a gender ratio of 104.49 males per 100 females" (par. 11).
Variables: ISSA-DATA-2
"In a January report, the National Bureau of Statistics said that, by the end of 2023, there were 30 million more men than women, with a gender ratio of 104.49 males per 100 females" (par. 11).
May 1, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ATFPA-PRACTICE-1
"This argument overlooks the fact that the money usually does not go to the woman. With or without a bride price, the woman has no power over who she marries, and after marriage is expected to perform the “wifely duties” of taking care of the household and having children" (par. 14).
Variables: ATFPA-PRACTICE-1
"This argument overlooks the fact that the money usually does not go to the woman. With or without a bride price, the woman has no power over who she marries, and after marriage is expected to perform the “wifely duties” of taking care of the household and having children" (par. 14).
May 1, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: CLCC-LAW-1, ATDW-PRACTICE-2, CRPLB-PRACTICE-1
"In marriage, it’s also difficult for women to have children take their last name, receive help with childcare, or even receive their rightful share in a divorce" (par. 16).
Variables: CLCC-LAW-1, ATDW-PRACTICE-2, CRPLB-PRACTICE-1
"In marriage, it’s also difficult for women to have children take their last name, receive help with childcare, or even receive their rightful share in a divorce" (par. 16).
April 30, 2025, 12:05 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: SEGI-PRACTICE-2
"After two years in detention, a Chinese journalist who spoke up against sexual harassment stood trial on subversion charges on Friday along with a labor rights activist, the latest example of Beijing’s intensified crackdown on civil society. Huang Xueqin, an independent journalist who was once a prominent voice in China’s #MeToo movement, and her friend Wang Jianbing, the activist, were taken away by the police in September 2021 and later charged with inciting subversion of state power. Their trial was held at the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court in southern China (par. 1-2). "Since China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, came to power in 2012, the ruling Communist Party has sought to...more
Variables: SEGI-PRACTICE-2
"After two years in detention, a Chinese journalist who spoke up against sexual harassment stood trial on subversion charges on Friday along with a labor rights activist, the latest example of Beijing’s intensified crackdown on civil society. Huang Xueqin, an independent journalist who was once a prominent voice in China’s #MeToo movement, and her friend Wang Jianbing, the activist, were taken away by the police in September 2021 and later charged with inciting subversion of state power. Their trial was held at the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court in southern China (par. 1-2). "Since China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, came to power in 2012, the ruling Communist Party has sought to...more
April 30, 2025, 12:05 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: SEGI-PRACTICE-1
"After two years in detention, a Chinese journalist who spoke up against sexual harassment stood trial on subversion charges on Friday along with a labor rights activist, the latest example of Beijing’s intensified crackdown on civil society. Huang Xueqin, an independent journalist who was once a prominent voice in China’s #MeToo movement, and her friend Wang Jianbing, the activist, were taken away by the police in September 2021 and later charged with inciting subversion of state power. Their trial was held at the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court in southern China" (par. 1-2). "In Ms. Huang and Mr. Wang’s cases, the authorities questioned dozens of their friends in the months after...more
Variables: SEGI-PRACTICE-1
"After two years in detention, a Chinese journalist who spoke up against sexual harassment stood trial on subversion charges on Friday along with a labor rights activist, the latest example of Beijing’s intensified crackdown on civil society. Huang Xueqin, an independent journalist who was once a prominent voice in China’s #MeToo movement, and her friend Wang Jianbing, the activist, were taken away by the police in September 2021 and later charged with inciting subversion of state power. Their trial was held at the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court in southern China" (par. 1-2). "In Ms. Huang and Mr. Wang’s cases, the authorities questioned dozens of their friends in the months after...more
April 30, 2025, 12:05 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Ms. Huang emerged as an important activist in China’s burgeoning #MeToo movement in early 2018, when she created a social media platform for reporting sexual harassment. She organized and published surveys that found it to be rampant in universities and workplaces. A champion of women’s right to speak out about harassment, Ms. Huang also described having been subjected to it herself by a colleague at a national news organization" (par. 6). That Ms. Huang had to set up a platform for reporting sexual harassment suggests that there was not a method to report before or it was not likely people would report (IME - CODER COMMENT).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Ms. Huang emerged as an important activist in China’s burgeoning #MeToo movement in early 2018, when she created a social media platform for reporting sexual harassment. She organized and published surveys that found it to be rampant in universities and workplaces. A champion of women’s right to speak out about harassment, Ms. Huang also described having been subjected to it herself by a colleague at a national news organization" (par. 6). That Ms. Huang had to set up a platform for reporting sexual harassment suggests that there was not a method to report before or it was not likely people would report (IME - CODER COMMENT).
April 30, 2025, 12:05 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"China’s #MeToo movement gained momentum in 2018 as activists across the country posted petitions online demanding investigations into sexual harassment. Ms. Huang’s own investigation of the harassment of female students by a professor at Beihang University prompted China’s education ministry to strip the professor of his title" (par. 12).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"China’s #MeToo movement gained momentum in 2018 as activists across the country posted petitions online demanding investigations into sexual harassment. Ms. Huang’s own investigation of the harassment of female students by a professor at Beihang University prompted China’s education ministry to strip the professor of his title" (par. 12).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: IIP-LAW-2
"Anti-sexual harassment regulations have been incorporated into Codes of Conducts for Teachers issued by the Ministry of Education and the Civil Code . In December 2018, the Supreme People’s Court added sexual harassment as a cause of action" (8). "Regarding sexual harassment, the new Civil Code, not in line with the Committees’ Genera recommendation No. 19 and 35, only request 'Organs, enterprises, schools and other entities shall take reasonable measures of prevention, acceptance of complaints, investigation and handling, so as to prevent and cease sexual harassment conducted by violators by making use of their powers and affiliation relationship', rather than taking a holistic perspective to review sexual harassment as a...more
Variables: IIP-LAW-2
"Anti-sexual harassment regulations have been incorporated into Codes of Conducts for Teachers issued by the Ministry of Education and the Civil Code . In December 2018, the Supreme People’s Court added sexual harassment as a cause of action" (8). "Regarding sexual harassment, the new Civil Code, not in line with the Committees’ Genera recommendation No. 19 and 35, only request 'Organs, enterprises, schools and other entities shall take reasonable measures of prevention, acceptance of complaints, investigation and handling, so as to prevent and cease sexual harassment conducted by violators by making use of their powers and affiliation relationship', rather than taking a holistic perspective to review sexual harassment as a...more
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: DACH-PRACTICE-1, CRPLB-PRACTICE-1
"According to reports, women cannot authorize themselves to undergo cesarean section, husband’s signature is required" (14).
Variables: DACH-PRACTICE-1, CRPLB-PRACTICE-1
"According to reports, women cannot authorize themselves to undergo cesarean section, husband’s signature is required" (14).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: GP-DATA-3
"Our concerns… The lack of availability and accessibility of gender-specific statistics. Harmful cultural practices, especially child marriage, and the high prevalence of bride price are not included in the current Program for the Development of Chinese Women (2011-2020) and National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020), and the national action plan for SDGs" (4).
Variables: GP-DATA-3
"Our concerns… The lack of availability and accessibility of gender-specific statistics. Harmful cultural practices, especially child marriage, and the high prevalence of bride price are not included in the current Program for the Development of Chinese Women (2011-2020) and National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020), and the national action plan for SDGs" (4).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: GP-DATA-1
"The proportion of women among village committee chairpersons is 11.9%. Percentage of women among village council members increases to 23.8% . In 2019, the proportion of women among village committee members was 23.8%, which is far from the target of 'reaching more than 30%' by 2020. The percentage of women among village committee chairmen is 11.9%, although the target of "reaching more than 10%" has been achieved ahead of schedule, half of the regions are still below the target" (13).
Variables: GP-DATA-1
"The proportion of women among village committee chairpersons is 11.9%. Percentage of women among village council members increases to 23.8% . In 2019, the proportion of women among village committee members was 23.8%, which is far from the target of 'reaching more than 30%' by 2020. The percentage of women among village committee chairmen is 11.9%, although the target of "reaching more than 10%" has been achieved ahead of schedule, half of the regions are still below the target" (13).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: EWCMS-LAW-4
"Women are always asked to repeat the details of sexual conducts. And there is no significant role played by female police officers when the plaintiffs are questioned" (9).
Variables: EWCMS-LAW-4
"Women are always asked to repeat the details of sexual conducts. And there is no significant role played by female police officers when the plaintiffs are questioned" (9).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-1
"Progress… Increasing discussion on ending age difference of retirement between women and men" (12). "Pension gaps may discriminate against women indirectly. Pension hierarchy system creates about three times income difference among pensioners hold the same professional qualifications. Retirees from 'society' get least pension, and retirees from '(state own) company' is less than retirees from governmental and public work units" (13).
Variables: ERBG-PRACTICE-1
"Progress… Increasing discussion on ending age difference of retirement between women and men" (12). "Pension gaps may discriminate against women indirectly. Pension hierarchy system creates about three times income difference among pensioners hold the same professional qualifications. Retirees from 'society' get least pension, and retirees from '(state own) company' is less than retirees from governmental and public work units" (13).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ERBG-LAW-1
"Article 59 of the Labor Law remains unchanged. It prohibits assigning female workers to work underground in mines, to work at the fourth level of physical labor intensity established by the State, and to other prohibited work. Despite long-standing calls for its repeal, including by the CEDAW Committee and other international and domestic parties, this provision continues to exist under the guise of 'special protection' and constitutes direct discrimination against women in employment. During the COVID-19 epidemic, some local departments have proposed discriminatory initiatives to enterprises to encourage female workers to stay at home to take care of underage children" (2). "Progress... Increasing discussion on ending age difference of retirement...more
Variables: ERBG-LAW-1
"Article 59 of the Labor Law remains unchanged. It prohibits assigning female workers to work underground in mines, to work at the fourth level of physical labor intensity established by the State, and to other prohibited work. Despite long-standing calls for its repeal, including by the CEDAW Committee and other international and domestic parties, this provision continues to exist under the guise of 'special protection' and constitutes direct discrimination against women in employment. During the COVID-19 epidemic, some local departments have proposed discriminatory initiatives to enterprises to encourage female workers to stay at home to take care of underage children" (2). "Progress... Increasing discussion on ending age difference of retirement...more
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ERBG-DATA-1
"There are reports show the gender gaps of income is decreasing" (12). "Pay gaps expanded in selected professions, especially in top rank salary jobs" (12). "Pension gaps may discriminate against women indirectly. Pension hierarchy system creates about three times income difference among pensioners hold the same professional qualifications. Retirees from 'society' get least pension, and retirees from '(state own) company' is less than retirees from governmental and public work units" (13).
Variables: ERBG-DATA-1
"There are reports show the gender gaps of income is decreasing" (12). "Pay gaps expanded in selected professions, especially in top rank salary jobs" (12). "Pension gaps may discriminate against women indirectly. Pension hierarchy system creates about three times income difference among pensioners hold the same professional qualifications. Retirees from 'society' get least pension, and retirees from '(state own) company' is less than retirees from governmental and public work units" (13).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2
"There is a lack of statistics in relation to women who receive legal aid for domestic violence and sexual harassment and sexual assault. Some serious cases of abuse did not receive legal services and legal aid" (3). "Some local governments purchased services from women’s federations to cover domestic violence prevention programs" (7-8). "The accessibility and management of domestic violence shelters is inadequate and could not provide sufficient practical help to battered women who need shelter services. Local governments rarely include work on domestic violence into their catalogues of purchase of services. If any, it mainly from federation and the proportion of such projects only comprise from 1% to 7% of...more
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-2
"There is a lack of statistics in relation to women who receive legal aid for domestic violence and sexual harassment and sexual assault. Some serious cases of abuse did not receive legal services and legal aid" (3). "Some local governments purchased services from women’s federations to cover domestic violence prevention programs" (7-8). "The accessibility and management of domestic violence shelters is inadequate and could not provide sufficient practical help to battered women who need shelter services. Local governments rarely include work on domestic violence into their catalogues of purchase of services. If any, it mainly from federation and the proportion of such projects only comprise from 1% to 7% of...more
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-1
"Public Security: a video training made by the Ministry of Public Security included police regulations on domestic violence in 2017, but the video itself is not fully accessible. According to many survivors who reported domestic violence to police, in most of cases, unless there are serious injuries, domestic violence calls were not seriously responded by police, they rarely issue caution statements and other treatment, nor referral to shelter services. The police anti-domestic violence manual developed by the Public Security Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security and the All-China Women's Federation under the United Nations Trust Project is not used inside the public security system" (8-9).
Variables: DV-PRACTICE-1
"Public Security: a video training made by the Ministry of Public Security included police regulations on domestic violence in 2017, but the video itself is not fully accessible. According to many survivors who reported domestic violence to police, in most of cases, unless there are serious injuries, domestic violence calls were not seriously responded by police, they rarely issue caution statements and other treatment, nor referral to shelter services. The police anti-domestic violence manual developed by the Public Security Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security and the All-China Women's Federation under the United Nations Trust Project is not used inside the public security system" (8-9).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: DV-LAW-1
"The draft Anti-domestic Violence Law consulted public opinion three times from 2014-2015. The newly established Civil Code and provincial legislation of the anti-domestic violence law in about ten provinces asked for public comments via the Internet from 2018" (3). "There is remarkable progress on combating violence against women since 2014. The Anti Domestic Violence Law came into effect in March 2016. Some local governments purchased services from women’s federations to cover domestic violence prevention programs" (7-8). "The Anti Domestic Violence Law itself could be more comprehensive and actionable. The definition of domestic violence is not comprehensive and complete, and there is a lack of clarity regarding the responsibilities of public...more
Variables: DV-LAW-1
"The draft Anti-domestic Violence Law consulted public opinion three times from 2014-2015. The newly established Civil Code and provincial legislation of the anti-domestic violence law in about ten provinces asked for public comments via the Internet from 2018" (3). "There is remarkable progress on combating violence against women since 2014. The Anti Domestic Violence Law came into effect in March 2016. Some local governments purchased services from women’s federations to cover domestic violence prevention programs" (7-8). "The Anti Domestic Violence Law itself could be more comprehensive and actionable. The definition of domestic violence is not comprehensive and complete, and there is a lack of clarity regarding the responsibilities of public...more
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ATDW-LAW-1
"Our concerns… Divorce 'cooling off' period in the newly established Civil Code; Actually mandatory mediation for litigated divorce" (14).
Variables: ATDW-LAW-1
"Our concerns… Divorce 'cooling off' period in the newly established Civil Code; Actually mandatory mediation for litigated divorce" (14).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: IIP-PRACTICE-2, AFE-PRACTICE-1
"Anti-sexual harassment regulations have been incorporated into Codes of Conducts for Teachers issued by the Ministry of Education and the Civil Code . In December 2018, the Supreme People’s Court added sexual harassment as a cause of action. Women’s rights in two cases have been partly or all realized after go to the court in 2020 in Sichuan and Guangdong province respectively" (8).
Variables: IIP-PRACTICE-2, AFE-PRACTICE-1
"Anti-sexual harassment regulations have been incorporated into Codes of Conducts for Teachers issued by the Ministry of Education and the Civil Code . In December 2018, the Supreme People’s Court added sexual harassment as a cause of action. Women’s rights in two cases have been partly or all realized after go to the court in 2020 in Sichuan and Guangdong province respectively" (8).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: AFE-PRACTICE-2
"Up to 82% - 90% respondents agreed that women have not yet received equal support in pursuing their career or advanced education" (6).
Variables: AFE-PRACTICE-2
"Up to 82% - 90% respondents agreed that women have not yet received equal support in pursuing their career or advanced education" (6).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: AOM-PRACTICE-1
"Harmful cultural practices, especially child marriage, and the high prevalence of bride price are not included in the current Program for the Development of Chinese Women (2011-2020) and National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020), and the national action plan for SDGs" (4).
Variables: AOM-PRACTICE-1
"Harmful cultural practices, especially child marriage, and the high prevalence of bride price are not included in the current Program for the Development of Chinese Women (2011-2020) and National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020), and the national action plan for SDGs" (4).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ASR-PRACTICE-1
"By emphasizing femininity, women’s appearance and family responsibilities as well as reinforcing the segregated gender roles such as reiterating 'the suitable-for-female professions'" (6).
Variables: ASR-PRACTICE-1
"By emphasizing femininity, women’s appearance and family responsibilities as well as reinforcing the segregated gender roles such as reiterating 'the suitable-for-female professions'" (6).
April 15, 2025, 7:13 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: CLCW-PRACTICE-1
"'Revolution of the family name' emerges among younger generation. Some parents choose a combination of both father and mother’s surname, some even choose to not have a family name. A village named Changfeng in Anhui province launched a project of UNFPA China office, tried to reward families who give newborn babies their mother’s surname as a measure to reverse the striking 130:100 sex ratio at birth" (6). "Increasingly young women belonging to some ethnic minority groups cannot take up job offers or scholarships provided by international entities, or cannot get their passport to go abroad to study, pursue career development, travel, or visit family members" (15).
Variables: CLCW-PRACTICE-1
"'Revolution of the family name' emerges among younger generation. Some parents choose a combination of both father and mother’s surname, some even choose to not have a family name. A village named Changfeng in Anhui province launched a project of UNFPA China office, tried to reward families who give newborn babies their mother’s surname as a measure to reverse the striking 130:100 sex ratio at birth" (6). "Increasingly young women belonging to some ethnic minority groups cannot take up job offers or scholarships provided by international entities, or cannot get their passport to go abroad to study, pursue career development, travel, or visit family members" (15).