Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of increasing female representation in politics and government, stressing the need for gender equality to be deeply ingrained across all levels of society. Speaking at a prominent international women’s summit in Beijing, Xi announced a $10 million donation to UN Women to support global gender equality initiatives.

The summit, attended by leaders from Ghana, Iceland, Sri Lanka, Dominica, and Mozambique, highlights the shared goals of inclusive governance and gender parity among participating nations. Ghana, a long-time ally of China, recently launched its Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, demonstrating its commitment to promoting gender equality.

According to Xi, women’s involvement in decision-making is crucial for achieving peace, development, and social stability. He emphasized that gender equality must be “truly internalised” in society, requiring a fundamental shift in attitudes and practices. The donation to UN Women aims to support global efforts to promote gender equality and empower women.

Despite progress in increasing women’s participation in higher education and the workforce, critics point out that women remain underrepresented in top political roles in China. In 2022, no women held seats on China’s 24-member Politburo or its Standing Committee, prompting the UN to urge China to implement quotas and gender parity laws.

While Xi has framed women’s development as essential to national progress and family stability, experts argue that gender gaps have widened under his leadership. The summit’s message underscores the need for structural reform to drive meaningful change, rather than relying solely on promises and rhetoric.

The international community will be watching to see how China implements its commitment to gender equality, particularly in the context of its political landscape. As global efforts to promote gender equality continue, the success of initiatives like the UN Women donation will depend on the willingness of governments and societies to prioritize and internalise gender equality.