Around the world, while many use International Women's Day to call for change, others celebrate acts of courage by ordinary women. From breaking molds, to making history, thousands of ladies are honored every March 8th for their contributions to society. And China is no exception. CGTN's Mark Fontes introduces us to a Beijing school principal who helped reshape education.

Lei Haihuan has worked in the Chinese education system for more than 30 years.

Since 1995, she has served as a principal and a party branch secretary of China's first preschool education group-Beijing Tomorrow Kindergarten Group.

Many say she has pushed China's preschool education into a new era.

LEI HAIHUAN, PRINCIPAL BEIJING TOMORROW KINDERGARTEN GROUP "At the beginning of the reform, the biggest obstacle was teachers' states of mind. Also, their professionalism could not keep up with the society's requirements."

Lei's core value of preschool education is happiness.

She believes children should grow up in a happy environment and learn via games and activities.

LEI HAIHUAN, PRINCIPAL BEIJING TOMORROW KINDERGARTEN GROUP "We used a lot of training methods to enhance their abilities. We influenced them spiritually and helped them set goals for their work, letting them accept new ideas of education."

Lei's contribution won her the 2018 Red-flag Bearer award. Only women who have made remarkable achievements in building a socialist material civilization and spiritual civilization are given this distinction.

Lei says in her own experiences, she has witnessed the rising of women's social status in China.

LEI HAIHUAN, PRINCIPAL BEIJING TOMORROW KINDERGARTEN GROUP "When I was young, in my parents'generation, I saw many women fighting for their rights and liberation, such as marriage and autonomy. In 40 years of reform and opening up, women have earned higher education degrees, and taken part in all areas of work. Gradually, women's achievements and contributions helped women gain higher social status in China."

At this year's reception of the March 8th International Women's Day in Beijing, the All-China Women's Federation gathered ladies from all over the globe to celebrate. It was also an opportunity for them to communicate and exchange their individual beliefs.

Statistics from ACWF show that in 2017, women already accounted for almost 44 percent of total employment in China, exceeding what was next year's goal of 40.

In Lei's world - the proportion of girls receiving preschool education increased from nearly 57 percent in 2010 to nearly 80 percent in 2017.

LEI HAIHUAN, PRINCIPAL BEIJING TOMORROW KINDERGARTEN GROUP "In my opinion, there is no gender inequality in Chinese education. In rural areas, however, I do think it's a problem in employment. But with the progress of the society, I think this phenomenon will disappear like it has in urban areas."

With the increase in women's social statuses, many say the ultimate goal of gender equality is reachable in the foreseeable future.

Mark Fontes, CGTN, BEIJING.