Qingdao Municipal People's Government, in East China's Shandong Province, in early February announced its 2025 municipal priority projects for people's wellbeing. 

Eight major initiatives, each benefitting women and children, were included. 

Initiatives will include education, childcare and healthcare services and urban-development projects. Key initiatives include expanding access to childcare services. 

For three consecutive years, the government has listed development of childcare services as a priority initiative for people's wellbeing in the city. This year, such services will cover more than 4,000 additional children under the age of 3. 

In terms of promoting balanced and upgraded education, construction of a combined 20 kindergartens and middle and primary schools will begin and/or be completed this year. Canteens in 95 rural middle and primary schools will be upgraded. 

To build child-friendly urban spaces, Qingdao will ensure maintenance of traffic order around 57 schools. 

In addition, Qingdao this year will build more than 50 pocket parks, renovate more than 60 public spaces, construct or expand more than 10 sports parks and children's sports spaces, and upgrade more than 150 fitness facilities.

Qingdao Women's Federation has solicited public suggestions, on issues related to women and children, via multiple channels, including online platforms and hotlines. Many of the suggestions have been handed over to relevant government departments. 

In response, the municipal education bureau is planning to build 100 intelligent campuses, and to develop 50 education live apps. 

The federation plans to develop an online map, which will highlight child-friendly spaces in the city, to leverage digital technologies to better serve women and children.

Photo from VCG

(Women of China English Monthly March 2025)

Editor: Wang Shasha