 |
Anyin Choo, Ambassador of Guyana to China |
I would say the level of development in China, over the past four decades, has been nothing short of "an economic miracle." I have had opportunities to study and work in, and visit China during the past three decades, so I have had many chances to witness the changes and development in this country firsthand.
From farmlands to prosperous and thriving cities, across the country, and especially, the hosting of international events and being one of the forerunners in technological innovation, I have continuously been impressed by the world's second-largest economy. Lifting 770 million rural people out of poverty, since the country's reform and opening up was launched in 1978, has been no easy task for a country with a population of 1.4 billion people. These achievements must be attributed to the collective hard work of the Chinese people.
China's leadership and the Chinese Government attach importance to women's contributions to society, women's leadership, and women's roles in economic and sustainable development. Not to mention in families and society, women have very important roles. I have seen some of the reports regarding the percentage of women who are actively participating in sectors that were traditionally dominated by men. I think the Chinese Government does understand the importance of women's contributions to development, and also their contributions to global sustainable development.
I believe the hosting of the Fourth World Conference on Women, in 1995 in Beijing, and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, were significant achievements that strongly reaffirmed women's rights are human rights, and gender equality is an issue of concern that benefits all. Throughout the years, we have witnessed Chinese women taking up important leadership positions, and watched as more women have begun to work in professions that are still male-dominated. Many Chinese women have become important contributors to their families' incomes, by owning businesses and becoming higher educated. These changes have contributed to the advancement of women's development — globally.
Photos from Interviewee
(Source: Women of China)
Editor: Wang Shasha
