Some 1,500 people gathered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday to celebrate the 97th anniversary of International Women's Day.

Addressing the reception, Gu Xiulian, president of the All-China Women's Federation, said the past year was the first year of China's 11th Five-Year Program as well as a year that witnessed further developments in the cause of Chinese women.

According to the mid-term evaluation of the Program for the Development of Chinese Women (2001-2010), considerable progress has been achieved in women's participation in politics, economy, and women's education, health and legal protection.

"Job opportunities for women were increased and women's legal rights and interests were effectively protected," she added.

Gu, also vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said the year 2007 is an important year for Chinese people to fully implement the scientific outlook on development and to accelerate the building of a socialist harmonious society.

"The Chinese women are ready to join hands and work together with women of other countries for women's advancement and development, for the strengthening of mutual understanding, trust and cooperation of peoples around the world," Gu said.

Senior Chinese officials including Vice-Chairman Wang Zhaoguo of the NPC standing committee and Vice Premier Wu Yi also attended the reception.

Source: Xinhua