Xi Jinping urges greater role for women in politics, governance

Chinese President, Xi Jinping, has called for greater female representation in politics and government, emphasising the need to "internalise" gender equality across all levels of society. 

Speaking at a high-profile international women’s summit in Beijing, the Chinese president also announced a $10 million donation to UN Women to support global gender equality efforts.

In a keynote address, he said gender equality must be "truly internalised" in society.

He emphasised that women’s involvement in decision-making was vital for peace, development, and social stability.

Global participation and African focus

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama and First Lady, Lordina Mahama attended the summit together with other leaders from Iceland, Sri Lanka, Dominica, and Mozambique.

Ghana, a long-time ally of China, recently launched its Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, highlighting shared goals for inclusive governance and gender parity.

Progress and contradictions

Women in China now make up about 50 per cent of higher education students and 43 per cent of the workforce. However, critics highlight the lack of women in top political roles.

In 2022, no women held seats on China’s 24-member Politburo or its Standing Committee, a situation the UN has urged China to address with quotas and gender parity laws.

Rhetoric vs. reality

While Xi framed women’s development as central to national progress and family stability, experts say gender gaps have widened under his leadership.

The summit's message is clear: real change requires more than promises; it demands structural reform.