Editor’s Note: China’s State Council Information Office on Friday released a white paper titled “China’s Achievements in Women’s Well-Rounded Development in the New Era.” The following article is based on excerpts adapted from the white paper, highlighting key milestones and initiatives in advancing women’s comprehensive development across China and beyond.
In recent decades, the development of women in China has reached unprecedented heights, reflecting the nation’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of half its population. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the country has implemented a wide array of policies and initiatives designed to ensure that women not only participate in the economic, political, cultural, and social life of the nation but also excel in these arenas. From political engagement to cultural leadership, from grassroots governance to ecological stewardship, and from domestic advancement to global cooperation, Chinese women are playing a decisive role in shaping a modern China. The white paper “China’s Achievements in Women’s Well-Rounded Development in the New Era” details the remarkable achievements of women and the state’s comprehensive approach to their development.
China has actively promoted women’s participation in decision-making and administration. Recognizing the need to cultivate female officials and integrate women into leadership positions, the government has formulated and implemented guidelines for strengthening Party and government leadership teams and supporting women’s development. These policies include specific quantitative targets for the appointment of female officials and heads of leadership bodies, balanced by strict standards to ensure quality. The results have been significant: as of 2024, women accounted for 30.9 percent of CPC members, a rise of 7.1 percentage points from 2012. Female delegates represented 27 percent at the 20th CPC National Congress, an increase of 4 points from the 18th Congress. Women also hold 42.3 percent of judicial positions, 43.78 percent of prosecutorial roles, and 51.5 percent of juror positions nationwide, demonstrating their increasing influence in law and governance.
The progress extends to grassroots democracy, where women are increasingly represented in local governance bodies. In 2022, women constituted 26.1 percent of village committee members and 54.3 percent of urban residents’ committee members, marking notable gains from 2012. Female workers are likewise active in enterprise governance, comprising 37.7 percent of boards of directors, 41.9 percent of boards of supervisors, and 34.2 percent of workers’ congress representatives, with significant growth over the past decade. These efforts are further bolstered by the establishment of 431,000 women’s councils in urban and rural communities, providing platforms for women to voice concerns and influence local decision-making.
Women in China have also emerged as prominent creators and preservers of culture. Through innovation and artistry, they contribute to both contemporary cultural development and the preservation of traditional heritage. Female writers, artists, and performers have created works that reflect the spirit of modern Chinese women, ranging from Peking opera productions and ballet to television dramas and documentaries. By the end of 2023, nearly 457,000 women were employed in radio, television, and online audio-visual sectors, accounting for 43.14 percent of employees. Women have also excelled in professional recognition, holding 44.1 percent of senior journalism titles and 50.6 percent of associate senior titles, and representing a substantial proportion of participants in key cultural talent programs. Their contributions reinforce core socialist values while cultivating cultural creativity and knowledge dissemination.
Preservation and revitalization of ethnic cultures have seen particular female leadership. Women constitute 25 percent of the 3,997 nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage bearers, with 57 percent of trainees in related research programs. Many have spearheaded initiatives transforming local crafts into thriving cultural industries, such as Miao embroidery in Guizhou and Tu ethnic coiling embroidery in Qinghai. These efforts are complemented by new business models, including cultural tourism and creative products, which leverage digital technology to bring traditional crafts into modern life and global markets.
The domain of sports has also witnessed remarkable female achievements. The number of elite female athletes in China has steadily grown, with international-level athletes consistently exceeding 50 percent. Since 2012, female athletes have represented over 55 percent of competitors at Summer Olympic Games and have secured more than 60 percent of medals. In the Paralympics, women have consistently accounted for half the participants and over 55 percent of medals. Beyond competitive arenas, women are at the forefront of community fitness initiatives, with more than 65,000 women trained as sports instructors in rural areas and 56.1 percent of all community sports instructors nationwide being female by 2024. These figures underscore women’s leadership in promoting health and fitness for all.
In grassroots social governance, women’s participation has strengthened the cohesion and effectiveness of local communities. Family virtues and education play a vital role in community harmony, with initiatives recognizing exemplary families and promoting values of mutual care, civic responsibility, and national loyalty. Systems such as the “Family Points” program in Gansu Province incentivize households to adopt positive behaviors, engage in public welfare, and improve living environments, directly encouraging women to lead in rural governance. Women also serve as mediators, volunteers, and patrol officers, resolving disputes, ensuring community safety, and advancing harmony at the local level. By 2024, over 3,690 county-level mediation commissions led by women’s federations had been established, resolving nearly 1.36 million family disputes since 2016, with women serving as nearly 30 percent of nationally recognized mediators. Volunteerism is another avenue where women excel, with 24 million registered female volunteers and 350,000 women-led volunteer teams providing nearly one million services aligned with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
China’s women have likewise been instrumental in environmental protection and ecological stewardship. Women serve as a third of eco-environmental guardians in the Sanjiangyuan National Park and have led reforestation and desertification control initiatives, planting millions of trees and transforming barren lands into fertile landscapes. Specialized teams such as the Women Tree-Planting Team in Hainan Province and sand-control militias in Shaanxi have demonstrated the effectiveness of female leadership in long-term environmental management. Additionally, women actively contribute to green agricultural innovation, managing family farms, promoting eco-friendly practices, and advancing sustainable production models, generating both economic and environmental benefits. By 2024, women-led companies in the green economy numbered 445,000, covering areas from clean energy to organic agriculture, with women accounting for nearly 70 percent of rural homestay management certifications. Chinese women also advocate for sustainable household practices, including waste sorting, energy conservation, and participation in beautification campaigns, reflecting a holistic approach to eco-civilization.
China’s commitment to women’s development extends globally, positioning the country as a proactive participant in international gender equality initiatives. Through cooperation with UN agencies, China has supported education and development programs for girls and women worldwide, including the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education, which has benefited organizations in 18 countries. The nation fulfills international obligations under conventions such as CEDAW and participates actively in review processes, while sharing its experiences in poverty reduction, health, education, and women’s empowerment. China has hosted 29 women-focused conferences under forums such as APEC, G20, BRICS, and the SCO, addressing issues from employment and entrepreneurship to pandemic response, facilitating global knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives.
The Belt and Road Initiative and South-South cooperation have been leveraged to expand women’s opportunities abroad, providing skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship programs. Juncao technology, a Chinese method of cultivating edible fungi, has empowered women in 106 countries to achieve economic independence and improve local livelihoods. International cooperation in vocational education and leadership training has further supported women’s development, with thousands of female professionals trained in global programs and exchanges. People-to-people initiatives have also emphasized women’s participation, with women representing the majority of Chinese-language teachers and volunteers in international education.
China has taken concrete steps to involve women in addressing global challenges, including peacekeeping, climate change, and humanitarian crises. Over 1,200 female peacekeepers and 100 police officers have participated in UN missions, while women have led initiatives in climate resilience and low-carbon technology, such as solar energy distribution and clean cooking solutions in developing countries. In humanitarian aid, women and children are prioritized, ensuring safe access to essential supplies and promoting nutrition and health during crises. These efforts underscore the global dimension of Chinese women’s leadership and impact.
The journey of women’s development in China is framed by a vision of equality, empowerment, and opportunity. With nearly 31 percent representation in Party membership, leadership in grassroots governance, cultural and ecological contributions, athletic achievements, volunteerism, and international engagement, women are integral to the nation’s progress. The country’s approach combines systemic policy measures, community-level empowerment, education, training, and public recognition to ensure that women realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
China’s vision for the future emphasizes the continued expansion of these opportunities under the guiding principles of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The state’s commitment to gender equality, women’s rights, and their holistic development aims to create conditions for women to participate fully in economic, social, cultural, and environmental spheres. By enhancing women’s capabilities and fostering inclusive growth, China seeks not only national progress but also global advancement in women’s development. The initiatives described in the white paper demonstrate how strategic planning, persistent effort, and societal support can collectively empower women, ensuring that they remain central to China’s development story and global engagement.
The progress of women in China represents a profound achievement of the new era, combining opportunity, agency, and global outreach. From political leadership to cultural creation, community governance to ecological stewardship, and domestic empowerment to international cooperation, women in China exemplify resilience, innovation, and dedication. As the nation continues its journey toward modernization and rejuvenation, the full participation of women remains both a driving force and a symbol of societal progress. By pooling the strength of millions of women, China aims to achieve balanced, sustainable, and inclusive development, while contributing actively to the advancement of women worldwide.
