Chinese President Urges Nations to ‘Broaden Channels’ for Political Participation to Achieve True Gender Equality.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday advocated for a substantial increase in the representation of women in politics and governmental roles worldwide, emphasizing that their inclusion is vital for ensuring gender parity is “truly internalised” within society.
Speaking at the “Global Leaders Meeting on Women” in Beijing, held in conjunction with UN Women, Xi called upon countries to “broaden channels for women to participate in political and decision-making, and promote women’s broad participation in national and social governance.” He stressed that achieving peace and stability remains a fundamental prerequisite for women’s comprehensive development.
The summit comes as China faces scrutiny regarding the representation of women within its own highest echelons of power. Despite making significant progress in education—where women account for about 50 percent of students in higher education and 43 percent of the employed population—no woman was included among the 24 members of the Politburo or the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee in 2022.
In 2023, the United Nations voiced concern over this absence, recommending that China adopt statutory quotas and a gender parity system to accelerate equal representation in government.
While pushing for political inclusion, President Xi also reaffirmed the critical role of women in national stability, noting in a previous address that their contribution is tied to “family harmony, social harmony, national development and national progress,” particularly as China grapples with an aging population and a declining birth rate.
