►► »I hope the upcoming Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women will be a global gathering of hope, peace and progress, » said Citlalli Hernandez Mora, Mexico’s minister for women, during a recent interview with Xinhua.
MEXICO CITY-Hernandez said she expects the summit to deliver « a strong and forward-looking proposal » and a renewed multilateral commitment to advance women’s rights. « Through dialogue among nations, we hope to make joint pledges for the present and the future — to build a world with greater equality, freedom and justice, » she said ahead of her trip to Beijing.
The minister noted that in 1995 China hosted the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, where the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were adopted as landmark global documents guiding efforts to promote gender equality.
« Those outcomes have inspired countries over the past 30 years to strengthen protection of women’s rights, reduce gender-based violence, and enhance women’s participation in politics and society, » she said.
Hernandez praised China’s remarkable progress over the past three decades in promoting women’s development, saying that China has « created more opportunities and achievements for women in education, health and personal development through sound policies and concrete actions. »
« I look forward to learning firsthand about the programs and initiatives that have benefited women in China, » she added, noting that China’s philosophy and practical achievements in promoting women’s advancement offer valuable experience and inspiration for other countries.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Conference, the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women provides an important moment for reflection — to review progress, identify remaining challenges, and discuss how nations can unite against emerging threats to women’s rights worldwide, Hernandez said.
While acknowledging the global improvement in women’s status, Hernandez pointed out that traditional social structures still tend to assign women the role of family caretakers, limiting their personal freedom and economic autonomy. In some regions, she noted, women’s rights are even regressing.
« I hope the summit will foster in-depth discussions on these issues and encourage societies to ensure that technological and social progress truly serve the well-being of women, » she said.
As the first minister of Mexico’s newly established Ministry of Women, created in January 2025, Hernandez emphasized that women have always played a crucial role in Mexican history.
« Indigenous societies have long upheld deep-rooted equality, » she said. « However, colonial legacies brought with them forms of exclusion against women. »
In recent years, more women leaders have emerged across Latin America, reflecting the growing influence of women’s participation in the region, Hernandez said. « This progress shows that women’s voices are gaining power in Latin America. Mexico hopes to share its experiences sincerely and listen to others at the summit, » she added.
Hernandez recalled that the 16th Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Mexico City this August, played an important role in advancing the principles and goals of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
She stressed the importance of closer exchanges between China and Latin American countries on gender equality, suggesting that both sides explore mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation on women’s development.
« China’s proposals for global governance are of great significance, » Hernandez said. « They encourage cooperation among nations based on respect for sovereignty and independence, and on joint efforts to build a better future for our peoples. »
By Xinhua
