Extra-wide parking spaces 'for women who can't reverse' spark sexism row

Women-only parking spots have been installed in the past throughout the world, but typically only as a public safety measure

The female only parking spaces in Hangzhou are 50 per cent larger than other spots, feature the female gender symbol and are complete with a pink outline (Weibo)

Extra-wide parking spaces for women have sparked a sexism row in China.

The female only parking spaces in Hangzhou are 50 per cent larger than other spots, feature the female gender symbol and have a pink outline.

They are being trialled for female drivers who have trouble reversing, a manager told Qianjiang Evening News.

The gendered spaces were introduced in March and make up eight of the 370 spaces available, but the manager said he would consider adding more if they are successful.

A photograph of one of the spaces was uploaded to Weibo, China's version of Twitter, and quickly sparked a sexism debate.

"Where are the feminists? This is such obvious gender discrimination," one user wrote, according to a translation by Shanghaiist.com.

"If you're going to discriminate against women like this, why don't we get larger parking spaces when we're taking our driving tests then?" another said.

Others disagreed, writing: "They're not saying that women have to park there.

"They're just offering them to women who aren't good at parking. It's a great idea! Where's the discrimination?"

In 2014, the South Korean government introduced women-only parking spaces which are longer, wider and marked with pink outlines.

Women-only parking spots have been installed in the past throughout the world, but typically only as a public safety measure. The spaces are usually designated near entrances or exits in poorly-lit car parks, and are not normally expanded for the benefit of female users.