If laws cannot protect poor and helpless persons like my litigant, why should we lawyers exist?

Guo Jianmei was born in 1961, and has been engaged in the protection of women’s rights, and related research. In 1995 she initiated the establishment of the Center for Women's Law Studies and Legal Services of Peking University. This center provides free legal aid, and endeavors to develop the protection of the rights of women in need in China. It has contributed greatly to the progress made by lawyers and NGO's working for civil rights.

Guo Jianmei aims at promoting the endeavors of civil rights lawyers and setting up influential NGO's in China. She committed herself to the protection of women’s rights immediately after graduating from university. From 1989 to 1993, Guo worked full time on the drafting of the “Law for Protection of Women’s Rights and Interests.” She did much research work and wrote related articles of up to 400,000 characters. She also co-published the book “A Guide to the Law for the Protection of Women’s Rights and Interests.” From 1993 to 1995, Guo cooperated with the Institute of Law, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences to implement the project “A Study on the Existing Problems in Implementing Women’s Law in China and its Counter measures.” They did extensive investigation of, and research into, the protection of women's rights and interests, and a substantial report was written. In 1995 Guo attended the Fourth International Forum for Women Lawyers. After this she started the Center for Women's Law Studies and Legal Services at the Law School of Peking University. Since resigning her post as assistant editor of the "China Lawyers" journal in 1996, Guo has been working in the Center providing legal aid for women. While representing the poor, Guo once raised the query: “If laws cannot protect poor and helpless persons like my litigant, why should we lawyers exist?” Guo provides a free legal service to poor people, aiming particularly at protecting the legal rights of poor women. She helps them to solve their problems from a new perspective, guaranteeing their legal rights in the social, political and economic arena. She also arouses women’s awareness of their rights and available means of acquiring legal knowledge. Such measures are aimed at eliminating poverty, both spiritual and cultural. This is also the way to enhance women's personal development and fulfillment.

Center for Women's Law Studies and Legal Services of Peking University