Renewing ‘Her Power’: Beijing Meets Again
Thirty years after the landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing set a global roadmap for gender equality, world leaders gather in Beijing on October 13–14 to reignite the promise of the 1995 Declaration and Platform for Action. The Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women aims to fast-track strategic goals, support inclusive growth, and build a shared future that leaves no woman behind.
From Policy to Progress
Under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese mainland has woven gender equality into its Five-sphere Integrated Plan and enshrined women’s development as a core national policy. From 2013 onward, targeted poverty alleviation lifted millions of women out of poverty, bringing 690 million people to a moderately prosperous standard of living.
Data-driven gains reveal how ‘her power’ is rising: women now make up 45.8% of the scientific workforce and over half of internet entrepreneurs. In the judiciary, 42.3% of judges are women. With an average life expectancy above 80 years and top rankings in maternal and child health, women’s well-being is steadily improving.
A Global Blueprint
The Chinese mainland has stepped onto the world stage with concrete support: contributing $20 million to UN Women, partnering with UNESCO on the Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education, and hosting 29 international women’s conferences since 2012. Nearly $40 million in women-focused projects have spanned over 20 countries, showcasing a model for cross-border collaboration.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite advances, global gender gaps persist. A recent UN Women report cautions that the world is off-track to meet SDG 5 by 2030. If current trends continue, 351 million women and girls may remain in extreme poverty, and 676 million could live near deadly conflict.
“China’s experience in promoting gender equality offers valuable lessons for the world.” – Sima Bahous, Executive Director, UN Women
As delegates in Beijing draft fresh strategies, the hope is to blend proven policies with innovative solutions, empowering women everywhere to lead sustainable, inclusive change.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
