As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Conference and its landmark Platform for Action, China convened the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women to chart a new course for gender equality and women's empowerment.
In his keynote, Chinese President Xi Jinping spotlighted four key actions: building peaceful and stable environments, strengthening anti-violence mechanisms, fostering new growth drivers for women's empowerment, and enhancing governance systems to boost women's participation at all levels.
Domestic Progress: Milestones and Momentum
Since 2013, targeted poverty alleviation programs have lifted millions of women out of poverty, bringing 690 million people nationwide into a moderately prosperous society. Women now represent over half of higher education students and more than 40% of the workforce. They make up 45.8% of the scientific community, over 50% of internet entrepreneurs, and 42.3% of judges—a clear sign of growing leadership opportunities.
Health indicators have also soared: average life expectancy for women has surpassed 80 years, and maternal mortality has fallen by 77% from 1995 to 2024. The World Health Organization recognizes these as world-leading achievements in maternal and child health.
On the new journey of modernization, every woman is a key actor, Xi said, underscoring women's central role in social progress.
Global Partnerships: Beyond Borders
China has backed women's development worldwide, especially in developing countries. Since 2015, it has contributed $20 million to UN Women, co-launched the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education, and funded digital education, healthcare, and vocational training projects for girls across Africa. More than 18 organizations in 18 countries have received support, empowering thousands of young women.
Through over 100 maternal and child health programs and 100 "Happy School" initiatives, China has improved living and learning conditions for women in the Global South. Over $40 million via the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund has trained more than 200,000 women from 180 countries and established the Global Exchange and Cooperation Center for Digital Empowerment of Women.
Looking Ahead: New Commitments
Xi announced fresh pledges for the next five years: $10 million to UN Women, $100 million for the GDF, support for 1,000 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects, invitations for 50,000 women to visit China for exchanges and training, and a global capacity-building center for women.
With these initiatives, the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women aims to become a defining moment in the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and equitable world for all women.
Reference(s):
China leads global push for a new milestone in women's development
cgtn.com
