Policy and Governance
Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of enhancing female representation in politics and government. During a recent international women’s summit in Beijing, Xi highlighted the necessity of “internalizing” gender equality throughout all societal levels.
Funding and Support for Gender Equality
In his keynote address, Xi announced a $10 million donation to UN Women to bolster global gender equality initiatives. He stressed the critical role of women’s involvement in decision-making processes for achieving peace, development, and social stability.
International Participation
Leaders from Ghana, Iceland, Sri Lanka, Dominica, and Mozambique participated in the summit. Ghana, a long-term ally of China, has recently enacted its Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, reflecting mutual objectives for inclusive governance and gender parity.
Current Status and Challenges
In China, women constitute approximately 50% of higher education students and 43% of the workforce. Despite these figures, there remains a notable absence of women in top political positions. As of 2022, no women held seats on China’s 24-member Politburo or its Standing Committee. The UN has urged China to address this through quotas and gender parity legislation.
Need for Structural Reform
President Xi presented women’s development as integral to national progress and family stability. However, experts have noted that gender disparities have expanded during his tenure. The summit underscored that genuine change requires more than rhetorical commitments; it necessitates structural reforms.
