Reception Held to Mark Women's Day

Reception Held to Mark Int'l Women's Day in Beijing

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China's largest women's organization, the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), hosted a reception at the Great Hall of the People Thursday to mark the 91st anniversary of International Women's Day.

Peng Peiyun, vice-chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress Standing Committee and president of ACWF, extended warm greetings to "all sisters and friends" around the world on behalf of the Chinese government and the ACWF at the reception, which was attended by over 1,500 Chinese and foreign women delegates.

Peng noted that with regard to the cause of women and children in China, the targets set out in the National Program for the Development of Chinese Women (1995-2000) and in the National Program for the Development of Children (1990-2000) were basically achieved, which has further promoted the advancement of women and children.

During the past year, women's federations at all levels conducted training courses to help rural women learn more about technological techniques, raise their awareness about the market economy and competition, assisted women who have been laid-off from their jobs take up service jobs in communities in order to expand their employment field and make great efforts to safeguard the legal rights and interests of women and children, Peng said.

Women's federations in the Chinese mainland have also strengthened contacts and cooperation with women in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and also expanded exchanges with all peace- loving women and women's organizations in the world, according to Peng.

She said in 2001 the implementation of China's 10th Five-Year Plan and the two new development programs for women and Children will start. Chinese women will actively participate in China's modernization process and in implementing the 10th Five-Year Plan.

Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, Chinese State Councilor Wu Yi, He Luli, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Chen Muhua, honorary president of the All-China Women's Federation, and some other leading officials attended the reception.