Beijing holds reception to celebrate Int'l Women's Day

Gu Xiulian (center), chairwoman of the All-China Women's Federation, and State Councilor Chen Zhili (right) attend a celebration on Friday in the Great Hall of the People on the eve of International Women's Day. (Photo credit: Wu Zhiyi/China Daily)

BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 1,500 people gathered at the Great Hall of the People here on Friday to celebrate the 98th anniversary of International Women's Day that falls on March 8 each year.

Addressing the reception, Gu Xiulian, president of the All-China Women's Federation, said the past year witnessed fresh developments in the cause of Chinese women.

Wives of African ambassadors attend a reception to celebrate the 98th International Women's Day held by the All-China Women's Federation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2008. (Photo credit: He Junchang/Xinhua)

Progress has been made in women's participation in politics, economy, education, health and legal protection, she said.

China now has 347 million female employees, accounting for 45.4percent of the people with jobs, according to Gu, who is also vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

Players perform at a reception to celebrate the 98th International Women's Day held by the All-China Women's Federation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2008. (Photo credit: He Junchang/Xinhua)

"The proportion of women who have jobs is rising steadily and the structure of employment is getting more reasonable," she said.

Senior Chinese officials including Vice-Chairman of the NPC standing committee Wang Zhaoguo, women representatives from various circles and foreign women diplomats and experts also attended the reception.

A foreign guest poses for photos with Chinese children at a reception to celebrate the 98th International Women's Day held by the All-China Women's Federation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2008. (Photo credit: He Junchang/Xinhua)