SCIO briefing on white paper 'China's Achievements in Women's Well-Rounded Development in the New Era'

China Media Group (CMG):

Mrs. Huang has just systematically introduced the historic achievements of women's development in China since the 18th CPC National Congress, and each of us has personally experienced these changes. What valuable experiences have been gained in this process to promote women's development? Thank you.

Huang Xiaowei:

Thank you. The question you raised is very important, and I will answer it. In the new era, the CPC has united and led the people in writing a new chapter of the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, successfully advancing and expanding Chinese modernization. Women's development has also entered a golden period, marked by comprehensive leaps in progress, greater prominence of women's roles, wider benefits for women, and a more favorable development environment. In practice, we have accumulated valuable experience.

First, we must uphold the comprehensive leadership of the Party. This is the fundamental guarantee for ensuring that the women's cause always moves in the right direction. Every year on International Women's Day, General Secretary Xi Jinping extends greetings and best wishes to women across the country. He has attended the National Women's Congress three consecutive times, held collective talks with the new leadership of the ACWF three times, and delivered a series of important speeches and remarks. Every step and achievement in women's development in the new era fundamentally relies on having General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core navigator and helmsman of the CPC Central Committee and the whole Party, and on the sound guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We firmly uphold establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We resolutely uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. We always maintain a high degree of consistency with the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in terms of ideology, politics, and actions.

Second, we must firmly grasp the theme of the times. Women's cause has always been closely connected with the central tasks of the CPC. We should firmly embrace the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as the theme of our times, instilling in women a profound sense of historical responsibility and pride as masters of the country. We encourage them to consciously align their personal and family aspirations with the grand mission of national prosperity, rejuvenation, and the well-being of the people. Women are called to be builders of great endeavors, champions of cultural progress, and diligent dreamers who boldly pursue their goals. 

Third, we must adhere to the fundamental national policy of gender equality. Promoting gender equality and the comprehensive development of women are all important aspects of Chinese modernization. In formulating laws and policies and making plans and arrangements, China has taken into full consideration the differences between women and men and the distinctive interests of women. The country has been committed to creating an enabling environment, removing barriers, and establishing necessary conditions for the comprehensive development of women, while coordinating the balanced development between urban and rural areas, regions, and groups, and promoting the synchronized and coordinated development of women's causes and economic and social development.

Fourth, we must adhere to respecting the agency of women. Women constitute a powerful force driving the progress of human civilization, while at the same time shaping and determining their own futures. China has combined empowering women with stimulating women's innovation and creativity, and integrated protecting women's legitimate rights and interests with promoting women's comprehensive development, which seeks to stimulate the spirit of self-esteem, confidence, independence, and self-reliance among Chinese women. It fully plays to their distinctive role in society and family, whilst vigorously promoting women's equal rights to participation, benefits, and development.

That's all from me, thank you!