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China Takes the Lead in Women's Development

In a remarkable milestone for women's rights and development, China has positioned itself at the forefront of international efforts aimed at enhancing gender equality and empowering women. On October 15, 2025, the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women took place in Beijing, demonstrating the nation’s ongoing commitment to fostering the advancement of women's roles in society.

This event was particularly significant as it celebrated the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking Beijing Conference of 1995, which resulted in the historic Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. These frameworks continue to guide global efforts to advance women's rights and opportunities. During the recent conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of addressing women's issues within the larger framework of social development, urging global partners to collaborate toward concrete actions that ensure gender equality and the protection of women's rights.

Xi Jinping's Address

In his keynote address, President Xi outlined four crucial actions necessary for the international community to undertake:
1. Creating a Stable Environment: Xi called for all nations to foster a peaceful and stable atmosphere conducive to women's development.
2. Strengthening Mechanisms Against Violence: He urged enhancement of systemic protections against violence that disrupt women's empowerment.
3. Improving Governance: The establishment of better governance mechanisms was highlighted as a means of increasing women's representation in national governments and social orders.
4. Promoting Global Cooperation: Xi further reinforced the need for international collaboration, advocating for bolstered support of the United Nations and the formation of platforms dedicated to women's empowerment.

Notable Progress in Women's Development

China has made substantial strides since the Beijing Conference, particularly since 2013, when targeted poverty alleviation initiatives helped millions of women escape the grips of poverty. Currently, approximately 690 million women have achieved a moderate standard of living. Women now account for over half of university students and represent more than 40% of the workforce in China. Additionally, they hold 45.8% of positions within scientific communities and are increasingly present in entrepreneurial and judicial roles, with over 50% of online business owners being women.

Health outcomes for women have also seen significant improvements, with the average life expectancy surpassing 80 years, and maternal mortality rates dropping by 77% from 1995 to 2024. The World Health Organization has recognized China as a leader in maternal and child health outcomes, which underscores the effectiveness of the country's health policies.

Xi's Vision for Women in Modernization

President Xi stated, "Every woman plays a key role on this new path toward the modernization of China," reflecting a broad acknowledgment of women's contributions to societal progress.

Global Initiatives and Cooperation

Beyond national achievements, China actively promotes the global advancement of women, particularly in developing countries. Since 2015, China has donated $20 million to UN Women, collaborated with other countries to establish the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education, and implemented digital education, health care, and vocational training projects for girls in Africa.

Additionally, China is engaged in over 100 programs targeting maternal and child health, including 100 initiatives under the banner of 'Happy Schools.' These efforts aim to improve educational and living conditions for women in the Global South. Through its Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, China is addressing women's needs in more than 20 countries, with investments amounting to $40 million.

This includes training and capacity-building projects that have empowered over 200,000 women across 180 nations, alongside the establishment of the Global Exchange and Cooperation Center for Digital Empowerment of Women, which seeks to expand access to new opportunities for women worldwide.

At the conclusion of the conference, President Xi announced further commitments to women's development over the next five years: a $10 million contribution to UN Women and a $100 million allocation to the Global Development Fund. These initiatives will support 1,000 "small and beautiful" projects aimed at improving the material situation of women and establish a global center to build women's capacity in various sectors.

Through these renewed commitments and initiatives, the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women marks another significant step toward creating a more equitable and friendly world for women across the globe. With China's leadership, the conversation on women's rights and empowerment is poised to gain even greater momentum on the international stage.