Experts praise China's Global Governance Initiative as key driver of global gender equality

BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Experts around the world have lauded the China-proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI) as a key driver of gender equality and women's development, and highlighted China's systemic approach to the empowerment of women.

The GGI offers new momentum for promoting gender equality and advancing women's development globally, said Samra Filipovic-Hadziabdic, director of the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in an interview with Xinhua.

Her remarks came as world leaders convened in Beijing for the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women on Monday and Tuesday, marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

China's proposals, advocating for stronger protection of women's rights, broader participation in governance, and greater support for women in developing countries, demonstrate the country's long-term commitment to building a just and inclusive global order, she said.

She noted that the GGI can make significant contributions to global gender equality by urging the international community to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, where gender equality is a primary goal.

"China's emphasis on consistency and accountability in realizing the SDGs injects fresh energy into advancing women's rights and human development," she said.

Dzhamilia Davletbaeva, honorary member of the Congress of Women of Kyrgyzstan, believes that the GGI creates a platform for uniting global efforts to ensure equal access for women to resources, education and opportunities.

"It is especially important that such an initiative promotes experience-sharing, expands international cooperation, and creates a unified voice for women on global issues," she said.

China has created a legal framework for protecting women's rights, achieved significant success in reducing poverty among women, and expanded their access to education and healthcare, she said, adding that all of this reflects a systemic approach and an understanding that the empowerment of women is fundamental to sustainable development.

China's experience could be inspiring for other countries, she noted. "This is an example of a comprehensive policy: a combination of legislative guarantees, economic development programs and social initiatives."

Hend El-Shalkany, director of studies, publishing and media at the Arab Women Organization, highlighted China's global efforts to support women through training and empowerment initiatives, especially in education, technology and entrepreneurship.

"China adopts a practical approach to empowering women in areas that make a tangible difference in daily life, such as agricultural, technical skills and improving the health of women and children," she said.

She praised China's view that development cannot be achieved without the participation of women, noting that women constitute a significant portion of China's workforce and play a pivotal role in both industry and agriculture.

"Creating supportive environments is essential for women to excel and balance the many roles they fulfill," she added.