This photo shows copies of the white paper titled "China's Achievements in Women's Well-Rounded Development in the New Era" released by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, on September 19, 2025. /Xinhua

On September 19, China's State Council Information Office released a white paper titled "China's Achievements in Women's Well-Rounded Development in the New Era," which systematically outlines the philosophy and practices behind the development of women's cause in China. Within this context, education is regarded as a crucial field for advancing women's all-around development, while equitable progress has created a favorable environment for it.

Educational empowerment as fundamental support

Educational empowerment provides fundamental support for women's development. China has steadily increased its investment in education, leading to a steady rise in its citizens' average educational attainment. By the end of 2024, the proportion of state fiscal education expenditure to GDP had remained above 4 percent for more than 10 years. Enrollment rates across all levels of education in China have reached or exceeded the averages of upper-middle-income countries. In 2024, the retention rate for compulsory education was 95.9 percent, the gross enrollment rate in higher education exceeded 60 percent, and the average years of schooling among the working-age population reached 11.21 years. These sustained investments have supported China in building the world's most extensive education system and driven the advancement of high-quality educational development.

China has been continuously increasing the education participation rate, with women's right to education effectively safeguarded. The gender gap in basic education has been largely eliminated. In 2024, the number of girls in kindergartens nationwide reached 16.9414 million, accounting for 47.3 percent; the net enrollment rate of primary school-age girls remained above 99.9 percent, with girls making up 46.98 percent of the students in the nine-year compulsory education system; and girls accounted for 49.3 percent of students in regular senior secondary schools. The gender ratio in higher education is generally balanced. In 2024, female students accounted for 50.76 percent of total higher education enrollment, and 50.01 percent of postgraduate students. Women also have access to higher-quality vocational education and lifelong learning opportunities. In 2024, the number of female students in adult undergraduate and specialized programs reached 5.133 million, representing 54 percent of the total.

China places high importance on the education of girls in rural areas and among disadvantaged groups, striving to improve the quality of education they receive. In 2023, 15 departments, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Office of the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council, and the All-China Women's Federation, jointly issued a three-year action plan for improving the quality of care services for left-behind and vulnerable children in rural areas." The plan aims to achieve goals such as enhancing the guardianship system, improving educational support capabilities, and providing life care services by 2026. As another example, by the end of 2024, the "Spring Bud Project" had raised a total of 3.441 billion yuan in funds, offering educational assistance to 4.36 million girl children. This initiative has helped narrow the development gaps between urban and rural areas, regions, and different social groups, enabling more women to share in the benefits of development. Another example is Huaping Female High School in Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, where, under the leadership of Principal Zhang Guimei, nearly 2,000 rural female students have been successfully admitted to universities, opening doors to broader opportunities for them.

Equity and progress creates a favorable environment

China continues to improve legal and policy protections. Both the Chinese Constitution and Education Law guarantee women's equal right to education. The 2022 revised Law on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Women explicitly stipulates that the state guarantees women equal cultural and educational rights with men. For the first time, it also includes a provision stating that "the state shall improve a system of lifelong learning for all and create conditions for women's lifelong learning." The China National Program for Women's Development (2021-2030) emphasizes the comprehensive implementation of the fundamental national policy of gender equality in education. It includes cultivating female scientific and technological talent and improving women's scientific literacy as key goals and strategic measures.

The concept of gender equality is gradually taking root in China. In April 1950, the first Law enacted after the founding of the People's Republic of China was the Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China, which emphasized "equal rights for men and women" at its outset. Since then, the slogan "Women hold up half the sky" has transformed the traditional dependence of Chinese women on men, providing strong support for women's liberation and overcoming the traditional "male superiority over female inferiority." As Chinese women's education levels improve, their participation and recognition in various fields continue to rise. As 690 million Chinese women simultaneously achieve moderate prosperity, the concept of gender equality is becoming increasingly popular, while prejudice and discrimination against women are decreasing, providing greater space for women's development and achieving the coordinated advancement of national development and gender equality.

China attaches great importance to education in its international cooperation projects. China has consistently implemented the global consensus on women's development, such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Through mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, women's exchange and cooperation, and South-South cooperation, China assists developing countries in education, healthcare, and skills training for women. For example, it has launched vocational skills training programs for women in several African countries to help local women find employment. China's experience has not only advanced gender equality domestically but also provided a practical, feasible solution to women's education and development globally.

Educational empowerment and equitable progress are key drivers of women's development in China. Chinese women continue to create miracles in their pursuit of academics, careers, and dreams. Their wisdom and tenacity are not only fueling the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation but are also changing the world.

Wei Nanzhi is the deputy director-general of Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.