Zhao Shaohua, vice president of the All-China Women's Federation, has introduced achievements in social insurance for women in China to the United Nations.

She spoke of the recent developments at the 49th UN Commission on the Status of Women on Wednesday in New York.

Zhao Shaohua said the Chinese government is committed to women's insurance enterprises and has set gender equality as one of its basic policies. And the country has made remarkable progress in reducing illiteracy among women, providing more employment and supporting families.

She added that the number of women occupying high positions and studying at the university level is on the rise.

However, the vice chairman also stated that difficulties still exist in promoting the equality of the sexes. She said China hopes to launch regional and international cooperative projects to boost the development of female-run enterprises.

(CRI March 3, 2005)