"Let us all pledge to do everything we can to overcome entrenched prejudice, support engagement and activism, and promote gender equality and women's empowerment," said UN (United Nations) Secretary-General António Guterres, on International Women's Day (March 8) of 2017.
Gender equality is the premise that everyone, regardless of sex, should be entitled to equal access to resources and opportunities, freedom of choice, and the liberty to develop one's individual potential free from discrimination.
Sustainable Development Goal 5, Gender Equality, has been recognized as one of the priority goals for governments and their societies worldwide, and is also a working priority for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In 2009, UNDP launched Gender Equality Seal (GES) in Latin America, with the aim of promoting equal employment opportunities and equal pay, women's leadership and self-recognition in the workplace, a healthy work-life balance, and gender-inclusive working environments.
Currently, more than 900 companies and 1,400 business units from 12 countries have applied for GES. Based on previous successes, UNDP is now introducing the program to China.
By hosting the Herstory Photo Exhibition in January, UNDP and Visual China Group (VCG) focused on 19 women in China, and introduced the initiative to the public. They hope to raise awareness of gender equality in the workplace, and ensure that no one is left behind in social development.
Women of China will publish some of the 19 women's photos, which were displayed during the exhibit, in the Vision section in this and the March editions.
"If you learn to love your imperfections, you will be perfect," says visually impaired Xiao Jia, a sales agent of Mary Kay China. Xiao has gained financial independence and earned the respect of others through her diligence. [Photos by Li Linchun]
"Everyone has the right to be proud of themselves regardless of their sexuality, to freely enjoy themselves at night without fear of sexual harassment, and not to be judged by their disability. Let the world's diversity shine," says Xin Ying, director of Beijing LGBT Center. [Photo by Li Qi]
"If I find the ultimate truth, I will die without regret," says Liu Chang, Senior Urban Planner of China Academy of Urban Planning and Design. Liu has a particular interest in women's contributions to China's urbanization and cultural heritage protection. [Photo by Chen Qian]
"I was born with pride, turn my words into reality. Y’all will see that my ego is as strong as my bones," says Mo Anqi, an independent musician. [Photo by Zhang Jiashuo]
"All of us, and what we do each day, make a difference to other people's lives. It is important to decide what sort of difference each of us wants to make," says Celina Chew, President of Bayer Group Greater China. Influenced by her father, Chew understands the importance of helping and giving to others. [Photo by Wang Yijie]
"Believe in faith. Love who you are," says Zhang Ning, founder and CEO of Shanghai Values-in Information Technology Co., Ltd. As an enthusiastic entrepreneur, Zhang hopes to see more female leaders rising to top of management. [Photos by Wang Ran]
"I hope these clothes will continue to be worn and loved," says Zhang Na, a fashion designer and founder of the project Reclothing Bank. Zhang was listed as one of the top 30 Chinese designers who influenced the world by Forbes in 2016. [Photos by Zheng Yi]
"Do good to others, and they will do good to you," says Hu Yanping, who is reputed as the best designated driver in Beijing. Warm-hearted and straightforward, Hu is highly praised by her customers and colleagues. [Photos by Wang Tong]
"My ethos of maintaining a work-life balance is to efficiently utilize my time, and then distribute it between my family, studying and my hobbies," says Li Yue, associate professor of medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. [Photos by Li Zhisong]
"We work hard to turn the rigor of laws into the vigor of humanitarianism," says Li Ying, lawyer, founder and director of Beijing Yuanzhong Gender Development Center. Li has devoted the past 15 years of her life to protecting women and children's rights. [Photos by Yang Xiaofeng]
