As global leaders prepare to gather in Beijing for the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women on October 13-14, China is positioning itself as a key driver of gender equality initiatives rooted in decades of domestic progress. The event marks a renewed push to accelerate the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the historic 1995 UN women's conference—a framework that has guided China's own transformative journey in advancing women's rights.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will deliver the summit's keynote address, has consistently prioritized women's development as integral to national progress. Under his leadership, China has lifted millions of women out of poverty through targeted initiatives, with 690 million women now enjoying moderately prosperous living standards. The country's scientific workforce now comprises 45.8% women, while female judges account for 42.3% of the judiciary—a testament to expanding leadership opportunities.
"China's experience offers valuable lessons for the world," noted UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, referencing the country's institutional approach. Gender equality is enshrined as a basic national policy, supported by vocational training programs, universal education access, and maternal health systems recognized by the WHO as global benchmarks.
Internationally, China has committed $20 million to UN Women since 2015 and established educational prizes benefiting girls worldwide. Through 29 multilateral conferences and $40 million in cross-border projects, Beijing has fostered platforms for global collaboration—even as challenges like gender-based violence and economic disparities persist worldwide.
The upcoming summit aims to reverse what UN reports identify as backsliding progress on gender equality, with 351 million women projected to remain in extreme poverty by 2030 without urgent action. As nations seek practical solutions, China's model of integrating women's advancement with socioeconomic development offers both inspiration and actionable strategies for the global community.
