Building a world where women can shape their own future and fulfill their potential: China Daily editorial

As world leaders gather in Beijing for the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, we are reminded of the transformative journey that began 30 years ago with the Fourth World Conference on Women of the United Nations that was held in the Chinese capital.

The meeting to be held on Monday and Tuesday aims to address pressing issues such as the digital gender divide, economic empowerment, and women's participation in governance and decision-making processes. It represents not only a commemoration of past achievements but a renewed commitment to advancing women's rights globally.

Three decades ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action set forth an important agenda for gender equality and women's well-rounded development. It urged nations to consider the differential impacts of legislation and public policies on men and women, establishing a strategic framework that has since catalyzed significant global progress in gender equality. This framework has been instrumental in shaping policies that promote women's rights and interests as well as ensure their active participation in all spheres of life.

China, as the host of the 1995 conference, has remained steadfast in its commitment to these principles. Over the years, China has not only achieved historic milestones in its own efforts to promote women's development but also played a pivotal role in global efforts to promote gender equality. Over the past three decades, the maternal mortality rate has dropped by one-third, the number of women in many countries' parliaments has more than doubled, and statistics show that 30 years ago only 12 countries had enacted a total of 354 laws against domestic violence, and now 193 countries have enacted a total of 1,583 laws dealing with gender-related violence.

In 2015, President Xi Jinping's address at the UN headquarters emphasized the need for synchronized development of women and the economy, the protection of women's rights, fostering an inclusive social culture, and creating a favorable international environment for women's development. These principles have guided China's actions, including substantial support for developing countries through projects such as the Women and Children's Health Projects and training programs for women from developing nations.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerabilities faced by women, amplifying the challenges to gender equality. In response, President Xi's 2020 address at the UN highlighted the need to mitigate the pandemic's impact on women, ensure gender equality, and enhance global cooperation in women's affairs. China's proactive stance, as noted by international observers, reflects a commitment to leading by example in fostering global cooperation for women's empowerment.

The achievements China has made in women's development are a testament to its systemic approach to integrating gender equality into the broader framework of national development. Women now constitute a significant portion of higher education students, scientific communities and entrepreneurial ventures.

China's institutional guarantees and policy frameworks have created an enabling environment where women can thrive and contribute significantly to economic and social development. This progress has made a big contribution to global gender equality efforts.

As we look to the future, the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing serves as a critical platform for renewing commitments and accelerating actions toward gender equality and women's development. It is a call for sincere efforts to leverage development-oriented strategies to implement the Beijing Declaration and the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The journey toward a world free of gender discrimination is far from over. With more than 600 million women and girls still trapped in conflict and 2 billion lacking any form of social protection, the path ahead requires sustained efforts and collaboration. By harnessing the collective strength of women globally, we can build a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous world for all.

Solidarity is needed to empower women and shape a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. Working together, a path can be forged toward a shared future that celebrates the contributions and potential of every woman and girl.

The meeting offers an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, address current challenges, and chart a course for a world where women everywhere can shape their own future and every woman and girl can achieve her full potential.

By reaffirming the commitment to the ideals set forth 30 years ago and working together, gender equality can become the norm, not an exception, women's rights can be upheld as an essential part of human rights, and every woman and girl can live free from discrimination and violence, and enjoy equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.