Visiting Senior Chinese legislator Chen Zhili on Saturday called for the promotion of gender equality through education.

Since the Fourth World Conference on Women, society has become more aware that the empowerment of women and the improvement of their status is critical to economic, political and social development, Chen said during a keynote speech at the UNESCO forum on gender equality in Athens.

Chen, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said China has witnessed great improvement in the status of women in recent years.

With the implementation of the Women Protection Law as well as other national policies on gender equality, the rights of Chinese women in the area of education, work and politics are guaranteed, Chen said.

Chen also spoke highly of the efforts made by UNESCO to promote sustainable development through gender equality.

During her speech, Chen made several proposals to promote gender equality. The proposals included creating a stronger voice for gender equality that should be heard by all people, especially male decision makers, she said. Women should be encouraged, she said, to gain the spirit of self-esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance.

Chen also urged countries around the world to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in policy-making regarding gender equality.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2010)