Interview: Ex-Peruvian congress chief praises progress of Chinese women over 30 years

Former Peruvian Congress president Martha Chavez receives an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Lima, Peru, Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Xinhua)

by Xinhua writer Meng Yifei

LIMA, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Fourth World Conference on Women hosted by China in 1995 was "a milestone" for the world, said former Peruvian Congress president Martha Chavez, who praised the remarkable progress Chinese women have made since then.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Chavez recalled leading the Peruvian delegation to the Beijing conference held 30 years ago, which brought unprecedented global attention to women's rights.

At that time, Peru was reorganizing its productive apparatus and consolidating peace after years of internal conflict, while Peruvian women needed support to balance their domestic and professional roles. "The World Conference on Women was also an opportunity to put all these issues on the table," she said.

"We stayed up past midnight debating," said Chavez. "It was very intense work. We had to examine every phrasing carefully since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were being adopted. It was important to take care of every word."

She said the Peruvian delegation maintained its focus on the core principle: eliminating discrimination and achieving equality between men and women. The final approval of the Beijing Declaration filled her with a profound sense of pride.

Chavez highlighted the progress of Chinese women in government, science and technology, and even space exploration, saying it reflected "the result of structural development in favor of women."

At a time of global change and uncertainty, she voiced support for China's Global Governance Initiative, calling it "a people-centered approach" that reminds the world "the international system must serve humanity."

Chavez emphasized that women and children remain the most vulnerable to poverty and discrimination, and called for policies to prevent the exploitation of women.

With decades of advocacy for gender equality, including in education, Chavez praised China's efforts to promote equity through smart campuses and digital learning. During her visit to China in 2023, Chavez witnessed firsthand educational achievements at all levels, noting "the clear purpose of ensuring that economic progress benefits the entire population."

Looking ahead to the upcoming Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing, which marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 conference, Chavez expressed confidence in its success.

"I look with admiration at what has been achieved so far," she said. ■