A Chinese political adviser has raised concerns about the forced marriages of women with mental disabilities in rural areas and called for stronger legal protections and nationwide investigation measures. The issue was highlighted during discussions surrounding China’s annual political meetings commonly known as the two sessions, where lawmakers and advisers review national policy priorities. Jiang Shengnan, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, warned that vulnerable women in some rural communities remain at risk of exploitation due to weak legal enforcement, social stigma and limited support systems that leave them unable to protect their rights.
Jiang emphasized that the problem requires urgent attention and more effective mechanisms to prevent abuse and exploitation. According to her remarks, some families in financially struggling rural areas may pressure or force daughters with mental health conditions into marriage arrangements in exchange for financial compensation. Because these women often lack the capacity or support needed to make informed decisions, they can become victims of exploitation. Jiang noted that existing legal frameworks addressing such abuses remain insufficient in some regions and called for a coordinated national campaign to investigate and prevent such cases.
The adviser suggested that authorities should introduce stronger monitoring systems and legal safeguards to protect individuals with mental disabilities. She proposed that local governments establish clearer procedures for verifying the legal consent of vulnerable individuals before marriage registrations are approved. Experts and social organizations could also play a role in identifying potential abuse cases and providing counseling or assistance to families. According to Jiang, building a structured support network would help ensure that women with mental health challenges receive appropriate care and protection rather than being placed in harmful situations.
The issue of forced marriage in rural communities has periodically drawn national attention in China, particularly in cases involving human trafficking or exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Observers say that economic hardship, limited education and cultural pressures in certain regions can contribute to situations where women’s rights are overlooked. Activists and researchers have also highlighted that mental illness often carries social stigma in rural communities, which can reduce public awareness about the rights and protection needs of individuals living with such conditions.
Legal scholars and social policy experts say stronger enforcement of existing laws combined with broader public education could help reduce such practices. Programs aimed at improving mental health services, expanding rural welfare support and strengthening oversight of marriage registration systems may also help protect vulnerable women. Authorities have increasingly recognized the importance of protecting the rights of people with disabilities as part of broader social development efforts, but advocates argue that further reforms and awareness campaigns are necessary to address complex social problems in rural areas.
The discussions during the two sessions have placed greater attention on social protection policies and the need to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable groups across Chinese society. Policymakers and advisers are expected to continue evaluating proposals related to rural welfare systems, women’s rights and mental health support as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to improve social governance and public protection frameworks.
