China Leads Global Advancements in Women's Development for a Milestone Achievement

China at the Forefront of Global Women's Development

On October 15, 2025, China made a significant commitment to women's rights by hosting a global summit focused on their development. This pivotal meeting comes on the 30th anniversary of the historic Beijing Conference, which laid down critical frameworks for women's empowerment and gender equality. President Xi Jinping opened the summit by highlighting the indispensable role women play in social progress and proposed four key actions for the international community to take towards ensuring women's rights and developmental goals.

Key Proposals for Advancing Women's Rights

In his opening address, Xi emphasized the need for a peaceful and stable environment conducive to women's development. He suggested enhancing mechanisms to combat violence against women, fostering new growth engines for women's empowerment, and improving global governance systems that integrate women's participation in decision-making processes. This reinforces China's commitment to not only uplift women domestically but also to push for these ideals on a global scale.

Xi also called for a robust international cooperation model tailored towards women's development, urging countries to support the central role of the United Nations in these efforts and to create platforms that galvanize worldwide female collaboration.

China's National Progress in Women’s Development

The backdrop of this summit highlights remarkable strides China has made regarding women's development over the past decades. Initiatives have lifted millions of women out of poverty since 2013, with approximately 690 million women now enjoying a moderately prosperous standard of living. Furthermore, women comprise over half of higher education students and represent 40% of the national workforce.

The contributions of women in science and entrepreneurship are substantial, with 45.8% of the scientific community being female and women leading over half of the internet enterprises in China. With 42.3% of judges being women, China showcases an increasingly inclusive landscape that affords women leadership roles across various sectors.

Moreover, significant improvements have been recorded in women's health and well-being. Women's average life expectancy now exceeds 80 years, and maternal mortality rates have decreased by 77% between 1995 and 2024, earning China recognition from the World Health Organization as a leading nation in maternal and child health.

International Contributions Towards Global Women’s Development

While making progress nationally, China has also assumed the role of a proactive advocate for women's development in developing nations worldwide. Since 2015, substantial financial support has flowed from China to UN Women, amounting to $20 million, alongside the establishment of the UNESCO Prize for Girls' Education. Moreover, projects aimed at boosting digital education, healthcare, and vocational training for girls—especially in Africa—have substantially impacted many lives.

The UNESCO prize alone has benefitted 18 organizations across as many countries, fulfilling the aspirations of countless girls. With over 100 initiatives aimed at maternal and child health, and educational projects under the banner of 'Happy School', China is bridging gaps in living standards and educational opportunities for women in the Global South.

Through the South-South Cooperation Fund, China has executed women-centric projects worth $40 million across more than 20 countries. Notably, it has empowered over 200,000 women through capacity-building and training initiatives, while also launching the Global Women’s Empowerment Exchange and Cooperation Center, which expands access to opportunities for women around the world.

Commitments for the Future

At the recent summit, Xi Jinping announced new commitments that will shape women's development over the upcoming five years. This includes a further $10 million to UN Women and a $100 million allocation for the Global Development Fund, specifically earmarked for women's programs and youth empowerment efforts. The plan aims to realize 1,000 unique projects that improve livelihoods for women, facilitate exchange programs inviting 50,000 women to China, and establish a global women's capacity-building center.

Through these initiatives and further collaborative efforts, the recent global summit on women marks a pivotal step towards achieving a more inclusive and equitable future for women everywhere.