Established in March 1949, it is an organization of women who are a
major force in building socialism with Chinese characteristics. It
works hard to unite and educate women, implement the basic lines of
the CPC and play an active role in the building of socialist
material and spiritual civilizations. The basic functions of the
federation are to represent and safeguard the rights and interests
of women and promote the equality between men and women.
The highest organ of power of the All-China Women's Federation is
its All-China Conference of Women Representatives which is held
once every five years. The conference elects the council of the
All-China Women's Federation. When the conference is not in
session, the council implements the decisions of the conference,
discusses and decides major issues in women's work. The council
convenes annually.
The council elects a chairwoman, vice chairwomen and standing
committee members who together form the Standing Committee of the
council. The Standing Committee is the leading organ when the
council is not in session. The Standing Committee sets up a
secretariat consisting of the first secretary and several
secretaries, all elected by the Standing Committee members, to be
in charge of the daily routine work.
The highest organ of power of local women's federations at various
levels is the local women's conferences, which are held once every
five years. Local women's conferences elect their councils which
consist of a chairwoman, vice chairwomen and standing committee
members, to form standing committees to take charge of the daily
routine work. At the township and neighborhood committee level, the
council is led by a director instead of a standing committee.
(China.org.cn May 20, 2003)