ABSTRACT
This was not token legislation. Women's participation was not only required in law but in practice. It was now commonplace for girls in schools to take part in physical education. Physical education was considered the nation's highest educational priority36 - a crucial tool for promoting both national unification, health and identity. This view went unaltered throughout the period of the Nanjing government. During these years of educational experimentation, the aim of female physical exercise remained consistent: to awaken girls and women to a consciousness of their duty to the nation, not only in mind but in body, not only mentally but physically.
