Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to advancing women's empowerment during his keynote address at Monday's Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, proposing new measures to address persistent challenges in gender equality.
Speaking to international delegates in Beijing, Xi emphasized that 'women's all-around development remains an urgent global priority requiring concerted action.' The Chinese leader outlined a three-pronged approach focusing on policy coordination, economic inclusion, and social protections.
Key Proposals from Beijing
1. Global Cooperation Framework: Xi proposed establishing an international forum for sharing best practices in women's education and workplace integration, noting China's own success in raising female labor participation to 45% over the past decade.
2. Economic Empowerment Fund: A $100 million USD initiative will support women-led startups in developing countries through the Belt and Road framework, with special focus on digital economy sectors.
3. Health Security Network: The plan includes expanding China's maternal care programs to partner nations, building on existing collaborations in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Xi highlighted persistent gaps in political representation and wage equality, urging nations to 'build broader consensus through multilateral platforms like the UN Commission on the Status of Women.' The proposals come as China implements its latest five-year plan targeting 35% female representation in corporate leadership roles by 2025.
Analysts note the initiatives align with China's broader development agenda while offering new partnership opportunities for Asian economies. 'These measures could reshape regional supply chains by integrating more women into high-tech industries,' commented Dr. Li Wei of Peking University's Gender Studies Center.
