An exhibition capturing the progress and development of women and women's issues in China over the last 10 years opened on Tuesday at the Ethnic Cultural Palace. The exhibition is one in a series of activities to mark 10th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

The exhibition gives an introduction to the progress made so far in the development of women in China, and Chinese women's contribution to the country's social and economic development. It reveals how women have been actively participating in state decision-making and management. It also shows governments at different levels encouraging women to play an active role in economic development, improving women's education levels, and helping impoverished women and children.

Also on display are the accomplishments of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF). As the largest women's NGO in the country, the ACWF has played an important role in supporting the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as the strategic goals set out in the Program for the Development of Chinese Women.

Cultural events from 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are also on display. Photos, films, pamphlets, items on display and 'live" performances give visitors a clearer understanding of the progress that women's development in the country has made, and a taste of its various exotic charms.

"I have got an overall understanding about China's development in women's causes in the last decade through the exhibition,” said Dr. Christina Gilmartin from the United States. Dr Gilmartin worked in China for the China International Publishing Group (CIPG) from 1978 to 1981. She said that since then, she has seen a considerable change in the lives of Chinese women. She also highlighted that the connection between women and the environment is becoming increasingly stronger. Women not only benefit from optimizing the use of environmental resources, but they can also act as protectors of the environment, she added.

Fadheela Almahroos, a member of Supreme Council for Women of Bahrain, described the exhibition as enlightening. "The exhibition informed me of the different parts of China and I learned much from it. It's wonderful and well-done," she said.

Gu Xiulian, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and president of the All-China Women's Federation, said at the opening ceremony that the years from 1995 to 2005 saw rapid progress in China's economic development as well as outstanding achievements in gender equality. She said she hopes that the exhibition will give visitors a comprehensive understanding of women's development in China, and promote international communications and cooperation among women and women's organizations in the future.

Chen Muhua, honorary president of the ACWF and president of China Children and Teenagers' Fund, and Peng Peiyun, president of the Red Cross Society of China and former vice chairwoman of the NPC Standing Committee were also present.

Delegates from more than 80 countries and Chinese provincial women leaders visited the exhibition on opening day. The exhibition ends on September 4.

(China.org.cn by staff reporter Zhang Tingting, August 31, 2005)