Preface

Throughout history, women have played an essential role in shaping human civilization and have made immense contributions to social progress. But the paths towards gender equality and women's well-rounded development across the world have been long and arduous. 

Since its founding in 1921, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has remained committed to women's liberation and development and gender equality. The CPC regards women as a major force for advancing all endeavors of the Party and the nation, always places the work concerning women high on its agenda, and leads women in their pursuit of liberation, progress and development. In doing so, the Party has opened a socialist path for women's development with Chinese characteristics. 

The 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 marked the beginning of a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. In this new era, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has emphasized safeguarding women's lawful rights and interests and promoting gender equality and women's well-rounded development as integral components of Chinese modernization. Accordingly, it has made a series of major decisions and plans that are pioneering in vision, overarching in scope, and enduring in significance. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, initiated, planned for, supported and chaired the Party's first ever Central Conference on the Party's Work with People's Organizations in 2015, attended the 11th, 12th and 13th national women's congresses in 2013, 2018 and 2023 respectively, and held talks with each newly elected leadership team of the All-China Women's Federation. He has also delivered important speeches on work related to women and children, the role of women's federations, and the significance of family ties, values and traditions, thereby identifying the direction, objectives and guidelines of China's endeavors for women in the new era. 

Upholding gender equality, among other basic national policies, has been incorporated into the CPC's political program, and promoting women's well-rounded development has been included in the national development plan. The legal system for safeguarding women's rights and interests also continues to improve. China has developed a sound approach to its endeavors concerning women. Chinese women actively participate in government initiatives, serve as advocates of civic virtues, fight for their dreams, and excel across all professions. In the new era, China has delivered numerous historic achievements in its endeavors concerning women. The Chinese socialist path for women's development continues to expand, opening ever-broader opportunities for advancement. 

Women around the world have a shared future. China's endeavors concerning women are an integral part of the global cause. In 1995, China hosted the Fourth World Conference on Women, organized by the United Nations. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the conference has since become a milestone for global gender equality. At important occasions such as the 2015 Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment and the 2020 high-level meeting on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Xi Jinping, in his role as president of China, elaborated on China's propositions on gender equality and women's well-rounded development, and proposed holding another global leaders' meeting on women in 2025.

On the occasion of the 2025 Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, the Chinese government is publishing this white paper to present China's philosophy, principles, and innovative practices in promoting gender equality and women's well-rounded development in the new era, highlight Chinese women's outstanding achievements and contribution, and affirm China's commitment to join global endeavors for women's advancement.