Peng Liyuan advocates using technology to expand opportunities for women and girls
Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and UNESCO special envoy for the advancement of girls’ and women’s education, along with UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, attended an exhibition in Beijing that highlighted China’s advancements in digitally and intelligently empowering women and girls. A CGTN report emphasized Peng’s comments at the event and detailed China’s initiatives to uplift women and girls through technology, underscoring the nation’s appeal for a future rich with opportunities in the digital intelligence age and advocating for women’s global progress.
BEIJING, Oct. 15, 2025 — In May, Professor Wang Xiaoyun of Tsinghua University was recognized as one of five laureates for the 2025 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. This honor celebrated her pivotal work in cryptography and cryptographic mathematics. UNESCO highlighted that Professor Wang’s groundbreaking research has encouraged numerous women to enter fields such as mathematics and cybersecurity.
Professor Wang stands as a leading figure among China’s approximately 40 million female professionals in science and technology, whose impact is evident across significant national initiatives and advanced sectors. Collectively, these women constitute nearly half of the country’s entire scientific and technological workforce.
“China’s commitment to advancing digital and intelligent technologies is transforming the lives of women and girls, opening up wider development avenues for them in this era of digital intelligence,” stated Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Tuesday.
Peng, who serves as a UNESCO special envoy for girls’ and women’s education advancement, delivered these comments while visiting an exhibition in Beijing. Accompanied by UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, the exhibition highlighted China’s strides in digitally and intelligently empowering women and girls, coinciding with the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.
Empowering Women and Girls Through Technology
Responding to the swift expansion of digital technology and the digital economy, China has rolled out various initiatives. These include a directive to boost digital technologies in rural areas and an action plan focused on enhancing digital literacy and skills, notably through promoting education and training for women.
As an illustration, a growing number of women in rural regions, having undergone comprehensive e-commerce training, are actively participating in the digital economy. They are making significant contributions to China’s poverty alleviation and rural revitalization strategies. Current data indicates that women now account for more than half of all entrepreneurs within China’s internet sector.
Nationwide, women now constitute over half of all students in higher education and approximately 43 percent of the total workforce. Their influence is steadily growing in fields such as management, science, business, and sports.
Peng expressed her anticipation of collaborative efforts to forge a future rich with opportunities in the digital intelligence age and to advance women’s development worldwide.
Advancing Women’s Development Globally
Transitioning from policy to practice, China has consistently championed global initiatives for women’s development, showcasing its dedication as a leading nation committed to empowering women across the globe.
China has provided training to more than 200,000 women hailing from over 180 countries and regions. It has also implemented more than 100 specialized training programs for women and children in countries of the Global South, and inaugurated the Global Exchange and Cooperation Center for Digital Empowerment of Women to boost digital literacy and economic prospects for women globally.
Demonstrating active support for women’s initiatives, China has contributed $20 million to UN Women since 2015. In partnership with UNESCO, it established the Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education and financed projects in Africa aimed at advancing digital and health education for girls.
Utilizing the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, China has carried out projects specifically targeting women, totaling over $40 million, across more than 20 nations.
Praising China’s notable accomplishments in bridging the digital gender divide, fostering women’s holistic development, and protecting their rights and interests, Bahous called upon the international community to work collectively. The objective is to empower women and girls, enabling them to realize their full potential in the digital intelligence era.
For further details, please visit:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-10-14/Peng-Liyuan-urges-more-opportunities-for-women-girls-via-technology-1HsM1teKs24/p.html
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