In a conversation from February 1973 published in Harper's, Chairman Mao Zedong made a provocative statement, offering ten million Chinese women. This remark highlights Mao's approach to population and gender during a significant period in China's history, reflecting both his leadership style and the societal dynamics of the time.

Mao's offer can be interpreted in various ways, including the commodification of women and the underlying political implications. It sheds light on the complex relationship between gender and state power in Communist China, raising questions about autonomy and the value placed on women within the broader context of Mao's rule.