Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for promoting equality between men and women, and encouraged women to play positive roles and make contributions to all walks of life.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a meeting with the new leadership of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF).

Noting that the number of women is nearly half of the country's total population, Xi stressed that uniting women can provide a powerful force for the cause of development of the Party as well as Chinese people.

Xi said the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation should be the theme of the contemporary women's movement, hailing the socialist path with Chinese characteristics and the Party's leadership in the women's development work. 

In his speech, the Chinese president also asked the ACWF to safeguard women's rights and interests, guarantee women's development, improve its service capabilities, and help women play their unique role in social and family life.

The 12th National Women's Congress closed on Friday in Beijing after four days of deliberating the work report of the 11th Executive Council of the ACWF, and amendments to the federation's constitution.

On Thursday, Shen Yueyue was re-elected president of the federation at the first plenary meeting of the 12th executive committee of the ACWF. Fourteen members were elected as the federation's vice presidents and 40 as its standing committee members.