Beijing is set to host the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women from October 13-14, with Chinese President Xi Jinping delivering a keynote speech at its opening ceremony. The event spotlights global efforts to advance gender equality – a cause Xi has passionately supported throughout his leadership.
💡 Why it matters: Women account for over half of China's population and have played a "vital role in nation-building", as Xi emphasized in recent remarks. His advocacy aligns with China's push for social progress and sustainable development goals.
📜 Key quotes from Xi:
"Women hold up half the sky" – A recurring metaphor highlighting their indispensable contributions to society
"Protecting women's rights reflects civilizational progress" – Framing gender equality as a development benchmark
"Enable women to shine in all fields" – Calling for expanded opportunities in education, tech, and leadership
🌐 Global context: The Beijing meeting comes 28 years after the landmark UN World Conference on Women in the same city. Analysts say Xi's participation signals China's commitment to shaping international gender policies.
📈 By the numbers: China reports 43.7% female representation in its workforce and a 99% female literacy rate among youth. However, challenges persist in executive leadership parity and rural healthcare access.
👗 Cultural angle: The summit coincides with trending discussions about modern Chinese feminism on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, blending traditional values with contemporary activism.
