Women of China English Monthly interviewed several of the guests who attended the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women. Some were from departments of foreign governments, others were from international organizations or academic institutions, and some were representatives of various segments of society. What were their impressions of the meeting? What insights did they offer about global women's cause? What were their expectations? Read on for the answers.
Striking a Chord
Many of the guests said President Xi's keynote speech charted the course for global women's development. China, they added, has made remarkable achievements in promoting women's empowerment and gender equality, and in setting an example for others to follow. In fact, they noted, China has announced several concrete measures to support global women's cause, and such measures have demonstrated China's firm determination to continue promoting women's development.
Mayra Jiménez de Matos, Minister of Women of the Dominican Republic, said, "China isnot only providing political support, but also substantial financial backing, which strengthens the credibility and impact of its commitment. These actions can serve as both a catalyst and a positive example for the international community in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide."
Humile Mashatile, wife of South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile, echoed the sentiment. "China is at the forefront in promoting women's empowerment and gender equality." She said she has witnessed "remarkable progress in global women's cause over the past 30 years," with China demonstrating leadership and making significant achievements in promoting women's development. "Women do participate in all industries, and actually are part of the decision-making in the industries, as well as in politics and policymaking. That is what the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action ought to achieve."
Svetlana Orlova, President of the Russian side of the Women's Council of ChinaRussia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development (CRFCPD), and Auditor of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, spoke highly of China's commitment to "regarding support for women as an integral part of the national overall strategy." This model of "mutual reinforcement between traditional values and gender equality" represents a valuable Chinese experience worth learning from, she said. The international community needs to learn from China, she added.
Tatjana Macura, Serbia's minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, the prevention of violence against women, and economic and political empowerment of women, spoke highly of the meeting. She was grateful for the new proposals and measures, proposed by Xi, to support global women's cause. "They will exert an influence globally," she said. "Every woman's struggle for rights has meaning, as each effort contributes to the progress we see today," Macura added. "I thank Beijing for once again hosting such an important event."
Promoting Women's Development
Many of the guests also discussed ways to promote women's development, especially in terms of digital-economy empowerment, universal access to educational resources, improvement of childcare support and protection of legal rights and interests.
"Two areas where China can play a big role are women, peace and security, and, the second area, is the digital friendly environment for women. The more women are able to engage, and able to orient the future, the less damage will affect them. So, I think the two areas are of key importance, and China has gathered a lot of experience in them," said Nahla Haidar, Chair of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Christine Arabu, UN Women Reginal Director for Asia and the Pacific, spoke highly of women's roles in promoting scientific and technological innovation and in exercising leadership. She said, "We see some incredibly impressive examples in China where, in STEM, especially around technology and engineering, you see so many companies being women led, who (the women) are innovating."
Maimona Khalid, Minister of the Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan in China, discussed the importance of education in promoting women's development. "Enabling women to have access to education will help them become pioneers in their countries, and even the international community," she said. It is important for women to "believe in yourself, and elevate yourself," she added.
Lu Yongli, principal at Beijing No. 2 Experimental Primary School, emphasized gender equality and women's empowerment are "not a simple gender issue, but the cornerstone of humanity's cause." As an issue, it concerns people's democracy, peaceful development and scientific and technological innovation, she said. An inclusive and cooperative social environment needs to be created, she added.
Regarding the protection of women's rights and interests, Fang Yan, part-time Deputy Director of the Legal Department of All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), and a senior partner at Beijing Jincheng Tongda & Neal Law Firm, said, "When it comes to marriage and family, China's top-level design has provided high-quality legal guarantees, and coordinated judicial mechanisms have been established. Women's organizations are carrying out their work to protect women's rights and interests, in close cooperation with judicial organs."
Yang Yang, a retired Chinese short-track speed-skating athlete, and a goodwill ambassador of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), focused on the vulnerability of women during conflicts and disasters, and on the importance of technology in women's development. Why? Technology can promote women's education, and it helps lay emphasis on women's needs. "The resilience and strength of women have always inspired me, and the meeting has shown me more possibilities for advancing women's development," Yang said.
Meng Man, part-time Vice-President of the ACWF and professor of Minzu University of China, said ensuring women's development requires both societal and individual efforts. "Society should value women's contributions in family life, and create better opportunities for them. Women, on the other hand, should value themselves, and stay true to themselves," she said.
Zhang Haidi, former Chairperson of China Disabled Persons' Federation, focused on the development of women with disabilities. "We should develop a more convenient, barrier-free environment, and help the women with their studies, work and life," Zhang said. She also noted the Beautiful Workshop Project (an initiative she proposed) has helped many women secure employment and increase their incomes.
Joining Hands for Better Future
When asked about the future of global women's cause, the guests focused on the concept of "one shared future," and said they believed exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries are key to "new and accelerated process for women's all-round development." They also said they have great expectations for young women, and they expressed hope they will work together to create a better future.
Zamira Akbagysheva, President of the Congress of Women of Kyrgyzstan, recalled attending the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. She praised China for gathering people together, once again, to promote women's development. She said Xi's proposals will help advance global women's cause. "As long as we join hands to pursue development, and face challenges together, the world will become more stable and beautiful," Akbagysheva added.
Ho Teng Iat, Member of the Standing Committee of the ACWF and Permanent Chairperson of the Women's General Association of Macao, said, "The country and society now pay high attention to women. Many heads of State and government leaders, from various continents, attended the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, which showed the world cares about women's development." She called on young women to seize their opportunities to elevate themselves, and to play bigger roles in society.
Liu Chen, a professor with Beijing Foreign Studies University, said, "Now, more and more Chinese women are shining on the global stage. They present a true China, with its multiple facets and dimensions." Liu said she will do her best to tell China's stories to the world, "to let the world know why we are confident in building a community with a shared future for humanity."
Han Xu, a lecturer from the School of Arts and Communication of China Women's University, has long focused on international communications. As such, Han has always paid particular attention to women's cooperation and exchanges between China and Latin American countries. She said the meeting enabled her to hear from women of Latin American countries. She vowed to work to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning among the countries, to write a new chapter in women's cooperation between China and Latin American countries.
Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action lit the way for women to pursue equal development. In October, 30 years later, global guests gathered in Beijing again. Following the guiding principles outlined in Xi's keynote speech at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, they have built the consensus on developing "one shared future." At this new starting point, it is hoped all countries will accelerate implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is hoped all countries will join hands to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity.
Photos from Wang Shasha, Zhang Jiamin, Pei Zhaoyue and Cui Rui
(Women of China English Monthly November 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
