Zheng Yuxiu (1896-1959) is best remembered as China’s first woman lawyer and judge. Her pioneering career in international law and diplomacy encompassed important developments in Chinese feminism, nationalism, and constitutionalism. After graduating from the Sorbonne in 1924, Zheng practiced law in Shanghai and was appointed to be a judge. In 1929-1930, she served as a member of the Legislative Yuan in Nanjing, where her work in drafting the Chinese Civil Code helped bring about gender equality under law for Chinese women. In the 1930s and 1940s, she dedicated her work to restoring China’s sovereignty and to abrogating its unequal treaties under international law.
Margaret Kuo is Professor of History at California State University, Long Beach, and writes about gender and law in Chinese history.