Gender Studies Programme - Zhong Xinle, Student of MPhil in Gender Studies

Xinle ZHONG

"For me, Gender Studies concern not only sex and gender but also the core and essence of human beings."

For me, Gender Studies concern not only sex and gender but also the core and essence of human beings. It consistently reminds us to maintain the awareness of ourselves, the care for others, and the enthusiasm for social movements. It reminds us to treat others with empathy and to be vigilant and critical of social structure and mainstream values.

 Learning in the Gender Studies Programme could be joyful and painful at the same time. On one hand, the pleasure lies in a free, open, and inclusive space offered by this Programme, where our authentic self would be fully accepted; it encourages, supports and lead us to explore the path of academia and life out of personal interests. On the other hand, the pain is caused by the reflective nature of the free self-exploration, which urges us to reflect on ourselves and our society, and exposes those problems that are previously ignored or accidentally neglected due to our structural position.

 My friends once joked with me: "don't you think the world looks graver after studying in gender?" Of course, it looks graver. However, isn’t the ability to understand pain, to detect problems, and to actively try to change the present situation also an essential element of growth?

- Zhong Xinle 鐘馨樂, Year 2 Student of MPhil in Gender Studies, Year 2 (09/2019)