Over last 60 years, China has been promoting women's welfare so that, today, they play an increasingly important role in family and public affairs.

Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, women's health in general has seen enormous improvement. Their average life span has increased from below 38 years to 75.25 years now. Most pregnant women receive relevant hospital treatment before and after delivery. The maternal mortality rate has declined from 1,500 per 100,000 births in 1949 to 34.2 today.

The government has also paid much attention to women's education. Sixty years ago, 90 percent of women were illiterate. Now, more than 99 percent of school-age girls attend schools. In universities, 49.86 percent of undergraduates, 48.16 percent of graduates and 34.7 percent of PHD students are women. Through education, more and more women have changed their fate.

In family affairs, women play a significant role of decision-maker. They enjoy equal status with their spouses. Freedom of marriage, sex equality and scientific parenting are the concepts that most of women have adopted.

In the public arenas, women show their great enthusiasm and potential. As of 2008, eight women were members of the central leadership and 230 were serving in a ministerial capacity. They make up 21.3 percent of representatives at the 11th National People's Congress and 17.7 percent of the members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. In addition, 40 percent of civil servants are women.

Chinese women are contributing much to the country's economic development. Now, women workers nationwide total 81.687 million, accounting for 36.3 percent of the entire work force. Among them, 27.862 million are migrant workers, 34.1 percent of females in employment. In rural areas, they constitute over 65 percent of the laborers.

In the entertainment, arts and education sectors, they form the majority. Meanwhile, an increasing number of them take up jobs in the hi-tech industry. They also show great acumen for business. Now, 25 percent of all entrepreneurs are women.

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