China making strides in women empowerment

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02:27

The first Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Women's Forum – hosted by the All-China Women’s Federation – is seen as the opening of a new chapter in the history of the organization, said Secretary General Rashid Alimov during his speech on Wednesday morning.

This comes at a time of new uncertainties, risks and worries, Alimov said, adding that the heads of state of the SCO member countries are actively exploring solutions to tackle these challenges and threats.

The first SCO Women’s Forum comes ahead of the SCO Summit in Qingdao of Shandong Province, China next month, in which China will play host as the rotating presidency of the SCO.

In her opening speech, Shen Yueyue, president of the All-China Women’s Federation, said the Chinese government has always attached great importance to the development of women.

Going by the numbers, females now account for 43 percent of the employed workforce in the country, while comprising 55 of Internet entrepreneurs.

Shen Yueyue, president of the All-China Women’s Federation, says Chinese women are welcoming a “better tomorrow.” /CGTN Photo

Since 2009, 345 billion yuan in venture capital or guaranteed loans have been extended to women, Shen added.

Meanwhile, half of the 120 million who were lifted out of poverty between 2010 and 2016 were women.

Attendees commend significance of forum

More than 200 participants attended the first day of the forum – ranging from members of the eight member states, to dialogue partners and representatives of UN agencies.

Rabiya Javeri Agha, secretary of Women’s Affairs at the Ministry of Human Rights in Pakistan, said this forum serves as a platform to share and learn, and this learning can then be built into development plans for financial budgets and policies for women empowerment.

“The world has become more interconnected and we cannot operate in vacuums. For the success of development, the empowerment of women is very important,” she said.

“If we want to move ahead in this world, it is the personal touch that will go a very long way. Women can’t fight their battles alone; they need support from organizations such as the SCO.”

Rabiya Javeri Agha (L), secretary of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Human Rights, Pakistan /CGTN Photo

(The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was granted the status of a full member of the SCO at the Heads of State Council meeting in June last year in Astana.)

Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Cambodian Minister of Women’s Affairs, said that the forum – having reached an international level – indicates that acceptance of women as new players in the world has increased.

“As an ASEAN member, this meeting is significant for Cambodia because we are broadening our network of women. We can learn experiences of how women tackle challenges in their own countries in a social and economic context,” Dr. Ing said.

When asked about specific measures, Dr. Ing said she would like to see how the SCO can help create a more gender responsive, and economically friendly environment for women in the world.

“[Also], how we can strengthen the network. When you have one voice, no one will listen. But when you have thousands of voices, raising the same issues, probably leaders will [start to] listen to you.”

Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Cambodia /CGTN Photo

The forum also saw the attendance of women’s institutions and other leaders in their own right.

Catherine Li, winner of the "Most Commercially Valuable Project Award" at the first China Women’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation contest last year, was a former practicing doctor who then ventured out on her own.

She believes that education is key to increasing a woman’s confidence.

“We should [also] encourage women at every level, not just those pursuing their careers but also mothers, to participate in society. Women with creativity and courage will likely see their kids – sons and daughters alike – walk into society with the same pursuits when they grow up,” Li said.

“And instead of asking a woman to be outstanding, we should instead encourage her to work on her strengths and advantages.”

Catherine Li, entrepreneur, attendee at the First SCO Women’s Forum /CGTN Photo