Xi Jinping Calls for Greater Women’s Representation in Politics at Global Summit in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged greater representation for women in politics and governance, saying that gender equality must be “truly internalized” in society.

Speaking at the Global Leaders Meeting on Women in Beijing — co-hosted with UN Women — Xi said nations should “broaden channels for women to participate in political and decision-making” and promote women’s active involvement in national and social governance. Leaders from Iceland, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Dominica, and Mozambique are attending the two-day summit, according to state media.

Xi emphasized that “peace and stability are prerequisites for women’s all-round development.” The meeting aims to advance global gender equality and women’s empowerment.

While China has made significant progress in education — women now comprise around 50% of higher education students and 43% of the total workforce — their representation in senior political roles remains low.

The UN last year noted concern over the absence of women in China’s top leadership, recommending statutory quotas and a gender parity system. In 2022, for the first time in two decades, no women were included among the 24-member Politburo or the seven-member Standing Committee of the Communist Party.

Experts say Xi’s tenure has coincided with a decline in women’s political participation and widening gender gaps in the workforce. Still, Xi has repeatedly highlighted women’s role in strengthening families and society, saying last year that women should help “establish a new trend of family” as China faces an aging population and declining birth rate.

“Doing a good job in women’s work,” Xi said, “is not only related to women’s own development, but also to family harmony, social harmony, national development, and national progress.”