In September 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women (the 1995 WWC) convened by the United Nations was held in Beijing. In the following 25 years, the 10-day conference was constantly referred to and commemorated. 

The WWC has been convened four times thus far, with the first three held in Mexico City, Mexico, in 1975, Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1980 and Nairobi, Kenya, in 1985. 

In 1995, the Fourth WWC was held in Beijing, in which the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action were adopted as the strategic goal and policy framework for promoting gender equality and safeguarding women's rights with profound implications on the global cause of women's development. According to incomplete statistics, the conference and its non-governmental organization (NGO) forums drew an attendance of more than 46,000 people from China and abroad. Over 3,900 seminars on various topics of concern to women were organized worldwide. Since then, many participants have continued campaigning for women's rights and interests in their respective fields to promote social progress. 

The 1995 WWC was a big success, and its impact is still strong in terms of the protection of women's rights and interests in China: the listing of "gender equality" as a fundamental state policy, the continuous development of women's NGOs in China, and the promulgation of laws against domestic violence and relevant regulations can all find the context in this conference.

China thinks women are the pioneers of human civilization and the propellers of social progress. The progress of humanity could not have been achieved without women's liberation and progress. China has been a positive force in initiating and promoting the global cause of women's development. By joining hands with the rest of the world and building a better world for all, China has contributed unique ideas and strength to the women's movement worldwide. 

On Sept. 16, 2020, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the fifth anniversary of the Global Leader's Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, the All-China Women's Federation and the U.N. Women jointly held a symposium in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with the theme of "Women and Poverty Eradication in the 21st Century." The picture shows attendees posing for a group photo. [Photo by Zhao Juan/China News Service]