Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and President of the All-China Women's Federation, attends a symposium with representatives of the women's federations in Northwest China's Gansu Province. [For Women of China]

Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and President of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), recently attended a symposium with representatives of the Gansu Women's Federation and the women's federations of Zhangxian and Xihe counties, ACWF's poverty relief paired-up counties in Northwest China's Gansu Province. At the symposium, they discussed how to implement the spirit of the important speeches delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping, and on how to contribute women's strength to the decisive victory against poverty.

Shen stressed that women's federations at all levels should enhance their sense of responsibility, and unite and guide women to promote epidemic containment and economic and social development. The federations should also actively encourage women to contribute to poverty alleviation measures.

At the symposium, cadres of local women's federations discussed the progress and outcomes of the Women's Action for Poverty Alleviation campaign. Shen exchanged views with the attendees on issues including lifting impoverished women out of poverty and caring for women in difficulties.

Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and President of the All-China Women's Federation, speaks at the symposium in Northwest China's Gansu Province. [For Women of China]

Shen urged the women's federations to boost the Women's Action for Poverty Alleviation campaign and ensure that no woman is left behind while building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. She added that more efforts should be made to develop poverty-alleviation industry and increase employment opportunities through poverty-alleviation workshops, strengthened skills training, labor transfers and rural tourism promotion.

In a bid to ensure women's stable employment and increase their incomes, woman-dominated industries such as housekeeping services, knitting and rural e-commerce should integrate into relevant industrial chains.

Efforts should also be made to alleviate poverty through education and healthcare to stop poverty from being passed on to the next generation and prevent women from falling into — or falling back into — poverty because of diseases, COVID-19 and natural disasters. The women's federations should guide women and families to cultivate scientific, healthy and civilized lifestyles and habits.

Shen stressed that the women's federations should care for disadvantaged women and children and give special care to the vulnerable groups, including impoverished women with serious diseases or disabilities or who have suffered from accidents. She added the federations should also care for de facto orphans, disadvantaged children and left-behind children.

Shen noted that being lifted out of poverty is not an end in itself but the starting point of a new life and a new pursuit. The women's federations should advance poverty alleviation measures, embrace their positive roles in rural revitalization and mobilize women to participate in environmentally-friendly economic activities and promote industrial prosperity.

Shen also urged the women's federations to promote the activities of the Beautiful Homeland and Healthy China — Mother Action campaigns and lead women to build ecological, livable and beautiful villages.  

The women's federations are also being asked to promote good habits and customs, curb food waste and advocate good family traditions by organizing activities in rural areas. More attention should be paid to the critical role of family, family education and traditions in social governance at the primary level.

(Source: China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China)