China is taking significant strides in empowering women globally through digital technologies, an effort underscored by Peng Liyuan at the recent UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education award ceremony.
Global Training Initiatives
"At that moment, I realized I had to master this technology," said Saba Aliyeva, a participant from Azerbaijan.
Saba Aliyeva, Participant
Aliyeva's experience reflects the ambitions of China's training programs, which engaged 51 women from ten countries in learning AI and digital entrepreneurship skills in Dongguan, Guangdong Province.
- Programs aim to build digital skills in developing countries.
- Over 14,000 women received AI training certifications in 2024.
Peng Liyuan emphasized the importance of enhancing vocational education and digital training for women, underscoring that such skills are vital for harnessing technological benefits.
The demand for women's digital empowerment is clear. According to the International Finance Corporation, increasing female participation in e-commerce in Africa and Southeast Asia could generate more than $300 billion in revenue from 2025 to 2030.
China's initiatives include national programs focused on digital literacy and support for women-led e-commerce ventures. Women's representation in China's internet sector has also been significant, with more than half of internet entrepreneurs being women.
In addition to domestic efforts, China is sharing its experiences globally. The establishment of the Global Exchange and Cooperation Center for Digital Empowerment of Women in July 2025 exemplifies its commitment to international collaboration in this sector.
Furthermore, through its Global AI Governance Initiative, China aims to eliminate gender bias in AI development and promote inclusive digital governance, which aligns with UN resolutions to strengthen international cooperation in AI capacity-building.
Peng Liyuan concluded with a powerful message, stating that education for girls and women is foundational for nurturing hope and happiness. By combining practical training with global cooperation, China is playing a key role in ensuring that more women can participate in the digital economy.