BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- "China is at the forefront in promoting women's empowerment and gender equality," said Humile Mashatile, wife of Paul Mashatile, South Africa's deputy president.
During a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua in Beijing, Humile shared her reflections after attending the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, held in the Chinese capital to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. It was her first time taking part in this global gathering.
Humile said that she has witnessed "remarkable progress in the global women's cause over the past 30 years," with China demonstrating leadership and making significant achievements in promoting women's development.
Through exchanges with delegates from different countries, she observed encouraging signs of progress. "Women do participate in all industries and actually are a part of the decision-making in these industries, as well as in politics and policymaking," she said. "That is what the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action ought to achieve."
What struck her the most at the summit was the growing presence of women in science and technology. "In many countries, the number of female STEM graduates is close to or exceeds 30 percent," she said.
"Women have made significant progress in education, indicating that the declaration made 30 years ago has been impactful globally," she added.
Humile said that China has, for years, attached great importance to gender equality and is committed to ensuring that women not only participate in social life but also play a role in political decision-making.
"It's encouraging to see women in China moving into various jobs, and they are highly competent in those positions," she said. "Chinese women have demonstrated competence and competitiveness across all fields."
She highlighted in particular the achievements of Chinese women in technology and the digital economy, where women's participation stands out.
As a philanthropist, Humile and her husband established a foundation focused on neurodiversity and children with autism. She said this work embodies the spirit of inclusion and equity, principles that also apply to advancing women's empowerment and broader social progress.
"This visit to China has been encouraging," she said, adding that now she has many new ideas to bring back home to continue promoting women's development in South Africa. She said she looks forward to more collaboration with China to empower women and share knowledge.
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