By Global Times
The opening of women-only lanes at a swimming pool in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has sparked discussion on Chinese social media with divided opinions, but it is still seen by the public as a positive attempt to enhance the protection of women's rights and promote social equality.
A staff member of the swimming pool at Hohhot Sports Center told the Global Times on Thursday that the opening of women-only lanes will be a long-term measure, and the feedback so far has been very positive, with many female swimmers choosing to use the lanes.
The sports center set up two "women-only lanes" on Wednesday, while the remaining lanes can be shared by all swimmers. The center said its purpose was to protect female swimmers from differences in physical conditions and skills.
"Women are free to choose which lane to swim in, and men can also choose to swim in the 'women-only lanes' if there are no female swimmers," said the sports center, adding that male swimmers should leave the lane once a woman enters.
Sometimes female swimmers are kicked by men who swim faster than them, and others can be hesitant to go in the water when the pool is too crowded, the manager explained.
