The Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing provided new momentum to global gender equality and women’s development.
On Oct 13 and 14, the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women was co-hosted by China and UN Women. On Oct 13, a chair’s statement was issued. In its role as the host, China presented a summary of the consensus positions in the statement.
Confronted with changes and challenges, countries and stakeholders will, with firm determination and robust actions, resist any form of regression and accelerate the process of women’s all-round development, the statement said.
The statement also emphasized the need to improve institutional mechanisms to promote gender equality and all-round development of women, and to strengthen the national mechanisms conducive to raising the status of women across society.
What’s more, the participants called for a peaceful, secure living environment to be fostered, and voiced their support for the full, equal participation of women in peace processes.
China’s Advance of ‘Her Power’
Over the past three decades, China has made historic strides in advancing women’s development.
China can serve as a role model for other countries that wish to promote gender equality and highlight women’s key role in global development, analysts said.
For example, China’s targeted poverty alleviation has lifted millions of women out of poverty. 690 million now are enjoying a moderately prosperous standard of living.
And women now constitute 45.8 percent of China’s scientific workforce. Over half of internet entrepreneurs and 42.3 percent of judges nationwide, is reflecting greater leadership opportunities. With an average life expectancy exceeding 80 years and recognition by the World Health Organization as a top performer in maternal and child health, women’s well-being continues to improve steadily.
Internationally, China has participated in global governance on women’s issues. Over the past decade, China has donated $20 million to UN Women. China has also established the Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education in cooperation with UNESCO.
However, the world continues to grapple with challenges on women’s issues. A UN Women report warned that the advancement of gender equality is backsliding.
As global leaders gather in Beijing to discuss a blueprint for women’s development, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous expressed confidence in a successful meeting, noting that “China’s experience in promoting gender equality offers valuable lessons for the world.”
Written by Sha Liu, additional reporting by Xinhua, China Daily and Ecns.cn.
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