AMMAN, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- As China hosts the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday, Jordanian politician Abla Abuelbeh urged the world to renew its commitment to gender justice and equality.
Abuelbeh, secretary-general of the Jordanian People's Democratic Party, was a delegate to the 1995 World Conference on Women, which was also held in the Chinese capital.
She told Xinhua in a recent interview that the 1995 conference successfully drew global attention to women's status and made key decisions advancing women's rights in politics, society, and fields including health, education and agriculture.
Reflecting on the progress achieved over the past three decades, Abuelbeh said some countries have witnessed rapid progress toward gender equality and justice, while others have unfortunately moved backward.
Wars, economic pressures and displacement in some Mideast states have deeply undermined women's rights and opportunities, she said.
Abuelbeh also criticized the "double standards" in Western policies.
"The West speaks of democracy and equality, but at the same time contributes to wars and oppression elsewhere," she said. "One eye is defending democracy in its own countries, while the other eye oppresses other people and women in the Global South."
She said countries of the Global South must tell their own stories, of struggle, resilience and achievement.
"We need to remind the world that fighting racism and colonialism is inseparable from fighting for women's rights," she said.
She also expressed the belief that a stable and inclusive society supports women's rights and opportunities, citing China as an example.
China's achievements in human rights and development are remarkable, and the country's success in development and social stability naturally benefits women, Abuelbeh said, adding that she is sure that the summit in Beijing will bring greater progress in the global women's cause. ■
