The Chinese government has released a white paper highlighting its efforts in promoting gender equality and women’s development. The document further reaffirms China’s commitment to global cooperation for women’s rights.
Titled “China’s Achievements in Women’s Well-Rounded Development in the New Era,” the paper was presented by the State Council Information Office. It comes just months before Beijing hosts the 2025 Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, marking 30 years since the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995.
The document, with five chapters, outlines China’s principles and practices in advancing women’s development. It showcases achievements in education, political participation, economic empowerment, and social welfare, portraying women as essential contributors to China’s modernization.
“Chinese women have never had such great opportunities to realize their potential,” the paper states. “The cause of Chinese women has never seen such wide prospects for development.”
According to the document, China has incorporated gender equality into its national development strategy stating that its goals for women’s advancement are now part of its five-year plans, ensuring fair benefits from modernization. Women’s roles in education, governance, science, and rural revitalization have increased, also highlight their importance in social and economic change.
Advocate and active actor
During a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stressed that China’s commitment goes beyond advocacy; it is backed by action.
“In promoting gender equality and women’s development, China is both an advocate and an active participant,” Guo stated.
He mentioned that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the women’s cause has “flourished, achieving historic progress.” He added that the socialist path of women’s development in China shows “vibrant vitality.”
The white paper aims to highlight key achievements from the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, present its principles for promoting gender equality, and celebrate the “inspiring spirit of Chinese women.”
The Chinese government says the 1995 conference remains a milestone in the global women’s movement, and that the Declaration continues to guide international efforts toward gender equality.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that China will host the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Beijing later this year, in line with President Xi Jinping’s proposal.
“Thirty years ago, Beijing saw women worldwide seeking gender equality,” Wang said. “This year, people will gather again to discuss important issues about women’s development. We look forward to seeing more women live fully and achieve their dreams.”
Wang also highlighted China’s contributions to global women’s advancement, including support for UN Women, the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education, and training over 200,000 female professionals from more than 180 countries.
Empowering Women for a Shared Future
The white paper concludes that as China aims to build a modern socialist country, it must “pool the strength of millions of women” for national rejuvenation.
The paper reaffirms China’s readiness to work with other nations to create a supportive international environment for women’s growth, reflecting the vision of a “community with a shared future for humanity.”
“China is ready to work with countries worldwide to create a brighter future for women’s development,” the paper states.
Beijing believes that the release of this white paper and the upcoming summit demonstrate its commitment to placing women’s empowerment at the forefront of its agenda. By linking women’s progress to national modernization and global cooperation, China positions itself as both a leader and a partner in advancing gender equality.
As the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 conference approaches, China believes the next chapter in women’s development will be written through action, partnership, and shared progress.
