The 2024 BRICS Women's Leadership Forum was held in Beijing on June 11. Huang Xiaowei, Vice-President and First Member of the Secretariat of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), and Vice-Chairperson of the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council, attended the forum and addressed the opening ceremony.

Under the guidance of "greater BRICS cooperation," a concept raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping, BRICS (acronym of the countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) has launched its historic expansion process, welcoming new members to the BRICS family to play stronger roles in shaping a more peaceful and just global governance system, Huang said. 

The cooperation and development of BRICS members cannot be reached without women's participation and contributions. China always firmly advocates and takes concrete actions to promote women's empowerment and development, Huang added.

Under the guidance of President Xi and with the great support of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Government, Chinese women have achieved historic progress in the new era. The protection of women's rights and interests has been made a commitment of the nation; no woman has been left behind during the nation's efforts to achieve moderate prosperity; and women have remained an important force in the advancement of a Chinese path to modernization, Huang explained.

China is committed to enhancing global women's cooperation. Huang mentioned, in particular, the Spring Bud Project which received the 2023 UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Prize for Girls' and Women's Education, and the Exchange and Training Base of Global Women's Development Cooperation established at China Women's University.

As cooperation among BRICS members is in the critical phase of linking the past with the future, Huang expressed China's willingness to work with other countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, all proposed by Xi. China is willing to advocate for the development of BRICS, especially by contributing women's strength to the high-quality economic and social progress of BRICS members. China is willing to be a pioneer in BRICS cooperation, promoting stable, long-term and high-quality partnership among BRICS members. China is willing to strive for progression of human beings, working with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind and a better world, Huang said.

Following the forum's opening, Huang communicated with members of BRICS Women's Business Alliance's China Chapter and representatives of outstanding women entrepreneurs. Huang outlined ACWF's focus of work, and encouraged women entrepreneurs to contribute their strength to advancing Chinese modernization, fostering economic and trade cooperation among BRICS members, and telling well the stories of China and Chinese women.

During the forum, an intangible cultural heritage craft-making exhibition was organized, under the theme "Dating with Genius Moms." Huang communicated with the craftswomen who were demonstrating Zhuang (from South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) and Qiang (from Southwest China's Sichuan Province) embroidery skills. Huang encouraged the craftswomen to inherit traditional Chinese culture and lead better lives with their skills.

Approximately 400 participants attended the forum, with the theme "Value Diversity, Shared Prosperity." Participants included representatives of outstanding women from various sectors of BRICS members, diplomats in China, experts and scholars, and representatives from enterprises.

(Source: Women Voice)

Editor: Ye Shan