Significant Contributions to Women’s Education and Science

Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a UNESCO special envoy for the advancement of girls’ and women’s education, recently attended an exhibition in Beijing. This event, held in connection with the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, focused on showcasing China’s strides in using digital and intelligent technologies to empower women and girls.

At the exhibition, Peng emphasized, “China’s push to develop digital and intelligent technologies is reshaping the lifestyles of women and girls, creating broader development opportunities for them in the era of digital intelligence.” Her remarks reflect a national commitment to leveraging technology for social advancement.

Acknowledging Pioneers in Science

Professor Wang Xiaoyun from Tsinghua University was awarded one of the prestigious 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards for her groundbreaking work in cryptography. UNESCO highlighted her research as a source of inspiration for many women pursuing careers in mathematics and cybersecurity. With approximately 40 million female professionals in science and technology in China, women now comprise nearly half of the nation’s sci-tech workforce.

Technological Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment

China has launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy and technology use among women, particularly in rural areas. A recent guideline aims to promote digital technologies, ensuring broader access to education and skill training. An increasing number of women in these regions are receiving intensive training in e-commerce, thus actively participating in the digital economy. Notably, women now represent over half of the entrepreneurs in China’s internet sector.

• Women occupy more than half of all higher education slots.
• Approximately 43% of the workforce consists of women.
• Women’s roles are expanding in various sectors, including management, science, and sports.

Global Commitment to Women’s Development

China remains dedicated to promoting global efforts in women’s development. More than 200,000 women from over 180 countries have benefited from training programs initiated by China. Efforts include specialized training sessions in various fields aimed at empowering women and children in developing nations.

Furthermore, China has contributed $20 million to UN Women since 2015, fostering initiatives such as the Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education in collaboration with UNESCO. Through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, projects valued at over $40 million have been implemented in more than 20 countries, focusing on women’s empowerment worldwide.

International Collaboration for a Better Future

During the exhibition, Sima Bahous, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, commended China’s achievements in narrowing the digital gender gap and enhancing women’s rights. She highlighted the importance of international partnerships in empowering women and achieving full development in the digital age.