Chinese President Hu Jintao has called on Chinese women to make more contributions to the country.

Hu, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark on Saturday when he met with the newly elected leaders of the All-China Women's Federation and some delegates to the 10th National Women's Congress.

Hu said Chinese women have made extraordinary contributions to the progress of the nation's civilization and economic growth, from the revolutionary wartime to the current socialist construction and reform.

The President said Chinese women deserved the title of "half of the sky", which means women could play an equal part as men in society.

Hu Jintao called on the Chinese women to make more contributions to the country's economic, social and cultural constructions and pursue scientific methods of education to cultivate their children.

Women should also strive to create a harmonious family environment to make contributions to the stability and harmony of the whole society, he said.

The President also urged female leaders and women's organizations at all levels to pay more attention to women's interests, and make all-out effort to serve them.

The Party organs at all levels should be fully aware of the great importance of women's roles and thoroughly carry out the country's policy of gender equality by creating more opportunities for women.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2008)