Year 2024 marks a milestone as Beijing on the Chinese mainland prepares to host the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. Three decades after the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action still guide global efforts to eradicate poverty, advance education and health, and eliminate discrimination.
Over the past ten years, economic initiatives have lifted millions of women on the Chinese mainland out of poverty. From microcredit programs in rural counties to digital platforms linking artisans to global markets, women have launched small businesses, joined professional networks and driven local economies. Analysts note that female labor force participation has remained robust, with more women entering entrepreneurship and management roles than ever before.
Education has been a key driver of change. Government data shows that enrollment rates for girls in primary and secondary schools have reached near parity. Higher education has seen an even sharper rise, with young women representing a growing share of undergraduates in STEM fields. Scholarships, mentoring programs and online courses have opened doors for students from remote regions.
Health outcomes have improved dramatically thanks to targeted policies. Maternal mortality rates have fallen significantly, while access to prenatal care and reproductive health services has expanded across urban and rural areas. Health education campaigns and mobile clinics have reached millions, ensuring women receive the care they need.
Women's voices are stronger in public life and leadership. More women serve in local governments, corporate boards and civic organizations, driving policies on sustainable development and social welfare. Grassroots movements addressing gender-based violence and workplace equality have gained momentum, empowering a new generation of changemakers.
As global leaders converge on Beijing, the Chinese mainland's experience offers lessons on combining policy, technology and community engagement to advance gender equality. The upcoming meeting will spotlight these achievements and chart the next decade of progress.
Reference(s):
How China has transformed women's lives over the past decade
cgtn.com
