A woman in China has won a workplace sexual harassment case after a court found her former manager at an environmental non-governmental organisation guilty of harassing her. The court ordered the manager to pay 5,000 yuan, approximately ₹59,000, as compensation for emotional distress and issue a written apology, marking a rare legal victory linked to China’s #MeToo movement.
Judgment Upheld on Appeal
The original judgment was delivered in January 2026 and was recently upheld by an appellate court. The woman, who identified herself only by the nickname “Xiong” to protect her privacy, said the outcome exceeded her expectations and that she had defended her personal dignity.
According to court records, Xiong joined Beijing Grassland Alliance, an environmental NGO, as an intern in early 2022 while studying in Fujian province. She alleged that shortly after joining the organisation, her supervisor began behaving inappropriately toward her.
Messages Cited as Evidence
Xiong accused the manager of making inappropriate comments about her bra size, holding her hand without consent and sending sexually suggestive text messages. Court evidence included messages in which the manager expressed special affection for her and urged her to think more about him than her personal relationships.
After leaving the organisation in 2024, Xiong filed a civil lawsuit against her former manager. The court considered WeChat conversations, discussions with colleagues and apology messages sent by the manager as key evidence.
The accused argued that the apologies were only meant to preserve a professional working relationship and did not amount to an admission of wrongdoing.
Court Notes Power Imbalance
In its judgment, the court emphasised the power imbalance between supervisors and junior employees. It observed that the words and actions of a team leader carry greater influence than those of an ordinary colleague.
The court said individuals in leadership positions have a heightened responsibility to conduct themselves appropriately and respect the dignity and rights of female employees.
Legal experts note that victims of sexual harassment in China have had a clearer legal basis to pursue civil claims since reforms introduced in 2021. Successful lawsuits remain uncommon due to stigma, social pressure and difficulty in gathering evidence. Against the backdrop of censorship around China’s #MeToo movement, Xiong’s case is seen as an important example of workplace accountability through the courts.
