ACWF President Calls for Women's Role in Poverty Relief in N China Tour

Shen Yueyue (R1), vice-chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and president of the All-China Women's Federation, delivers donated goods during an inspection tour. [Women Voice]

Shen Yueyue, vice-chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), emphasized the role of women in poverty relief, during an inspection tour of north China's Hebei Province on January 13.

During the trip, Shen delivered supplies worth around 1.4 million yuan (U.S.$ 203,467) to local women. In particular, she also focused on the spirit of President Xi Jinping's recent remarks on women playing an important role in poverty alleviation work.

As part of the tour, Shen convened a symposium attended by officials from government departments and women's federations at various levels across the province.

The ACWF president extended her thanks to the provincial Party committee and government in Hebei for having attached great importance to calling on women to fight poverty.

Meanwhile, Shen affirmed the efforts made by the local women's federations at all levels in regards to this issue.

Those accompanying Shen on the inspection tour included Deng Li, vice-president and member of the Secretariat of the ACWF and Li Ganjie, deputy-secretary of the Heibei provincial Party committee.

Special Visits to Local Women

During a visit to a village committee in Pingyang, Fuping County, Shen held talks with local women, inquiring about their financial condition and their plans to shake off poverty in the future.

After learning that locals have been engaged in the production of hand-knitted products, Shen spoke highly of the activity and said that the next steps are to help transform their work pattern, upgrade their designs and expand their sales market.

Later, Shen paid a visit to Yang Yunlan, 70, who was director of a village women's federation in Pingyang in the 1980s. She expressed her gratitude for Yang's contributions to women's work in the local area.

"The Spring Festival is around the corner. I wish you all the best for the new year,"Shen said. At the same time, Shen urged grassroots women's federations to show even greater concern for such seniors.

Shen also visited several impoverished women in the local village. Upon arriving at each household, Shen inquired about their health conditions and presented them with a living allowance contribution, wishing them a happy New Year.

Shen stated, "President Xi has pointed out that people's longing for a beautiful life is a goal of the country. Women's federations are committed to serving the female population. If you have any difficulty, do not hesitate to ask for help. I believe everyone's life will become better and better."

Shen recalled that Hebei is a historical former revolutionary base. She said President Xi highlighted improving the lives of disadvantaged people as a priority in the province in his trip in December 2012.

Shen's Remarks

"Women's federations at all levels across the country should thoroughly learn President Xi's series of important remarks, while enhancing their understanding of the so-called 'Four Consciousnesses', namely consciousnesses of the ideology, the whole, the core and the line,"Shen said.

Local grassroots women's federations are encouraged to "become more aware of the need to uphold political integrity, keep in mind the bigger picture, follow the CPC as the core of China's leadership, and act consistently with CPC Central Committee policy so as to welcome the holding of the 19th CPC National Congress," Shen maintained.

Moreover, all women's federations should have a deeper understanding of President Xi's speeches on lifting women nationwide out of poverty while considering women's poverty alleviation as their major "political mission".

Taking practical measures to help the general population of impoverished women escape poverty plays a significant part in building a well-off society in an all-round way and realizing the "Two Centenary Goals"as well as the "Chinese Dream"of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Shen concluded.

Furthermore, Shen urged all women's federations to follow the leadership of the Party, inspiring disadvantaged women to strengthen their firm determination to escape poverty while playing a lead role in publicizing the issue.

Also, Shen stressed the importance of calling upon outstanding female models and entrepreneurs who have greatly improved their lives through hard work to lead those economically-challenged women to shake off economic hardship.

In addition, Shen stated that supporting women's characteristic industries and advancing the development of housekeeping services as well as taking advantage of the e-commerce platforms would largely provide forceful strength in assisting the poverty-stricken women change their former disadvantaged lives.

Shen urged all women's federations to make the most of the organization's campaigns including the Small Loans Project, the Spring Bud Project and the breast and cervical cancer free screenings, making efforts to give a helping hand to each impoverished individual.

ACWF delivers 1,400,000 yuan (U.S.$ 203,467) in donated goods to women in Hebei. [Women Voice]

Hand-knitted products made by local women in north China's Hebei Province. [Women Voice]

Shen visits an elderly woman. [Women Voice]

ACWF officials visit impoverished women in Hebei. [Women Voice]

Items donated by the ACWF. [Women Voice]

(Source: Women Voice/Translated and edited by Women of China)