Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, visited China in late November 2021. During his visit, he participated in a virtual meeting with the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF). The theme of the meeting was "Women's Roles in Anti-Pandemic Efforts and Post-Pandemic Recovery." Several outstanding women who participated in the fight against COVID-19 and the post-pandemic recovery were invited to share their stories with Shahid.

They were: Cao Wei, a member of the national medical team dispatched to Central China's Hubei Province in 2020, and deputy head of the department of infectious diseases of Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Wang Yating, member of the national medical team to Hubei, and chief nurse of the cardiology department of Peking University Third Hospital; Liu Kun, a March 8th Red-Banner Holder in the fight against COVID-19, assistant to general manager of the China General Technology (Group) Holding Co Ltd (GENERTEC), and general manager of the coordinated development department and the medicine, medical care and health department of GENERTEC; and Gao Xiaoxia, secretary of the Party committee and director of the residents' committee of Waijiaobu Street Community, in Jianguomen Street of Beijing's Dongcheng District.

Shahid said he was deeply touched by the four outstanding women's stories. Their lofty and fearless spirit, their will to unite, cooperate and show love and care reflected the true meaning of multilateralism. They demonstrated Chinese women’s selfless contributions and spirit of sacrifice, and they were real heroines, he added.

Shahid quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping's comment about tens of thousands of Chinese women, saying "their courage and hard work have shown the very best of the medical profession," and "their devotion and sacrifice have kept the nation intact through difficult times."

Shahid said he will share Chinese women's stories during dialogues and/or meetings with leaders and people from all walks of life in other countries to inspire people from around the world. Shahid praised China as a model of developing countries, as it has not only provided technology achievements, techniques and equipment, materials and products to the world, but has also shared precious anti-pandemic experiences and a strong willpower with the world.

Shahid also spoke of the positive actions the ACWF has taken and the remarkable achievements reached in advancing women's overall development. Shahid said he will make continuous efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment globally and to help build a fairer world for all.

(Women of China)