Beijing to Collaborate with International Community on Women's Issues
China has announced its intention to work with the international community to advance women's causes, marking the 30th anniversary of two pivotal documents on gender equality.
The announcement came from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, following a panel discussion held at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The discussion commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.
The landmark conference, attended by over 17,000 participants, marked a significant turning point in the global agenda for gender equality. The panel discussion, held in Geneva on Monday, was organized based on a resolution submitted by China and other countries.
Liu Yang, China's first female astronaut, delivered a keynote speech via video link, highlighting the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action's role in improving the status of women worldwide. Liu, who considers herself a beneficiary and practitioner of the declaration's spirit, emphasized the importance of women's empowerment through science and technology.
Liu emphasized that China's astronaut training and selection process applies the same standards to both men and women. The country has also established a system that ensures fair competition for women.
Recalling her first space mission in 2012, Liu described feeling not only the physical force of the launch but also the unwavering support of millions of Chinese women.
In China, the net enrollment rate for female children in junior high schools has reached nearly 100%, and women constitute almost half of university and college students.
Liu expressed her belief that continued efforts and collaboration will lead to further progress in gender equality and women's empowerment over the next 30 years. This progress will allow more women to break boundaries and achieve their full potential.
7 Comments
Matzomaster
The progress made over the past 30 years is commendable, and I have faith that the next 30 years will bring even greater achievements.
Karamba
Actions speak louder than words. Until we see real changes in policy and practice, I remain skeptical.
Rotfront
Using an astronaut as a poster child for women's rights? Talk about tokenism. What about the millions of women facing poverty and discrimination?
Karamba
This is a positive step in the right direction! It's encouraging to see China taking a proactive role in advancing women's causes.
Rotfront
While I appreciate the efforts, let's not forget that words without action are meaningless. We need to see concrete steps towards gender equality.
Coccinella
Let's not forget the Uighur women who are being held in concentration camps. Their voices are being silenced, and their rights are being violated.
ZmeeLove
This announcement feels like a band-aid solution to a much deeper problem. We need a complete overhaul of the system that perpetuates gender inequality.