A 23-member delegation, composed of women leaders of political parties, government institutions and/or national women's organizations from eight Caribbean countries, visited China in July. In Beijing, Shanghai and East China's Shandong Province, the delegates visited a museum, a kindergarten, a women's university, several enterprises, women's entrepreneurship cultivation bases, local women's federations, communities and villages. Through their visit, the women leaders deepened their understanding of the all-round development of Chinese women and children.

After their 10-day visit to China (July 10-19), the Caribbean women leaders shared with Women of China their most-remarkable experiences during the trip. Some of them mentioned Shandong Women's University, which was established specifically to enroll women students. The university, and others like it, boosts women's confidence that barriers can be knocked down, so that they are no longer hindered in their pursuit of a high-level education, and reach their full potential.

In Shandong, the women leaders visited villages and several modern agricultural enterprises. They were impressed by the lifestyle in the Chinese countryside, especially by the fact the women could stay at home with their families, and earn an income via e-commerce. The women were able to both work and take care of children and the elderly members of their families.

Following are excerpts of some of the Caribbean women leaders' comments, during which they shared their impressions of the visit to China:

Kiz Lerisa Keonna Johnson

Independent Senator, from Antigua and Barbuda

I am impressed by the country's focus on improving women's health, to prevent women from developing psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety. China's recognition of the importance of improving women's health should be helpful, and the country's efforts in this field should be applauded.

Leanora Pratt

Women's Treasure of the Progressive Liberal Party, from the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

The most remarkable experience for me was the visit to the China National Museum of Women and Children, in Beijing. I found it impressive that how children are creative and well taken care of, and by the technology taught to them, here in China.

Cynthia Agnita Vogclina Andre

Administrative Assistant of the Establishment, Personnel and Training Department, from the Commonwealth of Dominica

The most remarkable experience I had during my visit here was the trip to a village where mushrooms were being grown, and which were done mainly by women. It was truly amazing to see how the women were handling various machines, which I had considered as the work of men. There is no limit in the ability of what work a woman can do. There are women engineers and operators of the machines.

Cheryl Patricia Bishop

Education Consultant, Assistant Public Relation Officer of the National Democratic Women's Arm, from Grenada

As an educator, I was particularly impressed by the kindergarten, because this is the start of the primary school education system. Providing a curriculum that is grounded and reliable is what every child must be exposed to, for him/her to achieve his/her fullest potential.

Anjanie Seebaran

Member of the Women's Progressive Organization of the People's Progressive Party, from the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

The level of advancement of women's cause in China is impressive, and of high quality. The placement of women in leadership and decision-making (positions) comes with the fundamental support based on training and the university-level education you give to your women. I will go back to my country and help empower my fellow sisters, according to what I have learned through this visit to China.

Michelle Rose Sharmiza Harrinaraine

Member of the People's Progressive Party, from the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

I am impressed by the special emphasis placed on protecting women and children's rights, and on empowering women in society through employment. The preservation of Chinese culture and arts is of importance to the Chinese nation, which is admirable and commendable. Many opportunities are offered to women, making them independent producers.

Tamika Alexis Peart

Director of the National Shelter Program, Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, from Jamaica

The lead entity for protecting women's rights in China seems to be well resourced, meeting with gender-targeted needs of women and children. The country has a strong commitment to gender budget and equity.

Mireille Wartijem Ngadimin

Deputy Head at the Bureau Gender Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, from the Republic of Suriname

The laws, which China enacted to empower women, enable women to benefit more from the resources (they obtain). In my opinion, the law guaranteeing women's access to land right is of the utmost importance.

Yvonne Tjitrawatie Kesarsing

Member of the Gender Committee of the Vooruitstrevende Hervormings Partij, from the Republic of Suriname

Families' progression and care is the foundation of a country's development. We have to work very hard, like the Chinese, who are working so hard to achieve the development of both their country and themselves. We, from our Caribbean country, have a lot of resources. If the resources are used as good investments, and if we learn good ideas from China, we will also help advance our country's development, like the great China.

Shereece Syleen Smith

Adviser to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The enterprise, Mengxiang Technology (in Shanghai), empowers women, and it helps them become successful entrepreneurs. I find it impressive, because I have witnessed how women strive to reach their work/life balance.

Wendy Renuka Francis

Treasurer of the Women's Arm of the United National Congress, from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Mengxiang Technology aids many women, and it empowers them by financially supporting them so they can earn more income, and by elevating their standard of living. Many women, who had no job options before, have found their focus of career: They get involved in e-commerce, from which they have gained passion and success.

(Source: Liaison Department of the All-China Women's Federation)