Laughter and camaraderie fill a cottage in Zhejiang, China, were women gather for board games and coffee. This scene represents a growing trend: women-only co-living spaces designed to provide refuge from societal expectations and male judgment.

Participants at “Keke’s Imaginative Space” share stories of mutual support and intimate conversations. After a bun-making session, overlooking the mountains, one participant told AFP that the women find companionship and a safe haven from harassment.

“An all-women environment makes me feel safe,” said zhang Wenjing,43. “Among women,we talk more easily about certain things.”

Chen Fangyan, 28, echoed this sentiment, noting that she feels less self-conscious in the absence of men. “Not being forced to wear a bra is already a kind of freedom.”

the demand for single-gender spaces, including bars, gyms, hostels, and co-working hubs, is on the rise in China. This surge reflects women’s increasing economic power and their desire for peace of mind and physical security.

At Keke’s Imaginative Space, a night costs 30 yuan ($4.17), increasing to 80 yuan from the fourth day. Founder chen Yani, known as “Keke,” was inspired to create the space after experiencing workplace harassment. “I encountered various degrees of harassment from men, to the point where I often found myself unable to work normally,” the 30-year-old explained. “I started thinking about what a safe and relaxed work environment would look like… a place where I wouldn’t feel apprehensive.”

Creating a Sanctuary

Chen Yani began by renovating a house in Lin’an, near Hangzhou. She posted an invitation on Xiaohongshu, a social media platform, for a Chinese New Year stay, hoping other women shared her desire for a comfortable space. Twelve women responded.

Some sought a holiday retreat, while others wished to avoid intrusive questions and pressure from relatives to marry and have children. “Within the family, women often have to take care of grandparents, children and household chores. Not to mention work responsibilities,” she said. “they need a place where they don’t have to play a role and can just be themselves.”

“An all-women environment makes me feel safe… Among women, we talk more easily about certain things.”

Yuan Xiaoqian, 29, another participant, believes that women’s growing economic independence and educational opportunities provide them with more choices. “They can focus more on themselves… and on new needs,” she said.

Social media platforms like Rednote are also instrumental in showcasing alternative lifestyles and fostering community among women.

In Xiuxi,Yang Yun launched “Her Space” in June,envisioning it as a “spiritual haven” for women. The property, furnished with rustic décor and calligraphy, resembles a boutique hotel. Yang’s goal is to ensure women always have a supportive environment. “If (a woman) loses her job, her parents, has an argument with her husband, or feels weary by city life, she knows she can come here and find some warmth,” said Yang.

To date, 120 women have paid the 3,980-yuan membership fee to join “Her Space.” Yang emphasizes, “Whether they come or not is not important.The important thing is that this place exists. It gives them mental strength.”

Addressing Criticism

Critics suggest that single-gender communities may breed animosity between men and women. However, Chen Yani refutes this claim, asserting that women have a right to their own spaces and that these spaces do not promote antagonism.”Women constitute a social group with shared life trajectories and problems. It’s frequently enough easier for them to understand each other and show empathy,” she said.

While keke’s Imaginative Space is not yet profitable, Chen maintains that its existence is crucial. “As long as there’s demand,this place will continue to exist,” she affirmed.

Lilith jiang, founder of “Half the Sky,” an all-women cultural space in Beijing, believes these community-oriented facilities fill a meaningful gap. “Men have plenty of opportunities to socialise, while drinking or while exercising,” she said. “Women don’t have that.”

Jiang also suggests that these spaces could offer an alternative for single women concerned about aging alone.”Women are constantly told: ‘if you don’t get married, what will become of you when you get older?'” said jiang. “But long-term, all-female shared co-living spaces where women can grow old together could be a solution.”