Employers in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, will face a fine of up to 30,000 yuan ($4,800) if they discriminate based on a person's gender, according to a local regulation that took effect on Tuesday.

The new policy is the country's first local regulation on boosting gender equality.

Employers should not set any gender restrictions when hiring workers, and they should not refuse to hire people or raise the threshold for employment due to a candidate’s gender and marital or pregnancy status, according to the regulation.

Violators will face a fine of 3,000 to 30,000 yuan from local labor authority, according to the new rules.

The regulation also aims to protect women from domestic violence.

Domestic violence victims can seek protection from a local court and public security authority, and they can also ask for temporary shelter from the local civil affairs department and women's federation, according to the regulation.