Born: 1985 (Jiaocheng County, Lüliang, Shanxi Province, China)
Biography:
Wu Rongrong (Chinese: 武嵘嵘) is a Chinese feminist and women’s rights activist. She gained recognition as a member of the feminist collective known as the Feminist Five or the Gang of Five. Born in 1985 in Jiaocheng County, Lüliang, Shanxi Province in North China, Wu grew up in a patriarchal environment that would later fuel her activism for women’s rights.
Wu attended China Women’s University, where she majored in social work. During her university years, she faced sexual harassment from local village officials in her hometown. These experiences, coupled with her diagnosis as a carrier of Hepatitis B, further strengthened her commitment to fighting for justice and equality for women.
After completing her studies, Wu began her career as a women’s rights advocate. She dedicated nearly four years of her life to volunteering at the New Path Foundation in China, an organization focused on social justice. Wu also worked as a project leader for women’s rights programs at the Beijing Yirenping Center and served as a staff member of the Beijing Aizhixing Institute, China’s leading NGO on the rights of individuals infected with HIV/AIDS.
In 2014, Wu established the Weizhiming Women’s Center in Hangzhou and assumed the role of executive director. Through her work at the center, she continues to empower women and promote gender equality. Wu’s dedication to improving the lives of women in China has earned her recognition both domestically and internationally.
Wu’s activism gained significant attention in 2015 when she and several other Chinese feminist activists planned to distribute pamphlets on public transportation to raise awareness about sexual harassment in celebration of International Women’s Day. However, their efforts were met with resistance from the authorities, leading to the detention of ten activists, including Wu. During her detention, Wu was denied access to medication for her Hepatitis B condition, resulting in a deterioration of her health.
The international community rallied behind Wu and the other detained activists, condemning their unjust treatment. Prominent figures, such as Hillary Clinton and then U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, voiced their support for their release. Eventually, Wu and four others were released on bail after weeks in custody.
Despite facing numerous obstacles throughout her career, Wu remains steadfast in her pursuit of gender equality. In 2017, she sought to further her advocacy by studying law in Hong Kong but was denied a permit by the local county security authority in Shanxi Province.
Wu Rongrong’s unwavering dedication to women’s rights and her resilience in the face of adversity make her a prominent figure in the fight for gender equality in China. Her courage and determination continue to inspire individuals around the world to challenge societal norms and work towards a more inclusive and just future for women.