On 7 March 2025, the Delegation of the European Union to China hosted the seminar “Women and the Media: Dialogues between the EU and China” on the International Women’s Day. Women and the Media is one of the 12 key areas of concern identified in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted by consensus in 1995 following the mobilization of over 40,000 government delegates, experts and civil society representatives at the Fourth World Conference on Women. 

EU Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo opened the event (full Speech by Ambassador Jorge Toledo at a seminar to mark 2025 International Women’s Day), noting “Media does not simply reflect reality—it shapes it. And if we want to change the world, we must change the stories we tell.” As we commemorate Beijing+30, he encouraged everybody not only to reflect on the situation of women’s rights, but also to renew our collective commitment and take meaningful action. The promises made in 1995 remain unfinished business, and the road ahead demands urgency, courage, and collective commitment. 

European Union, 2025

The first event of the Empower Her March 2025, a campaign of the EU Delegation to China developed in partnership with the EU Member States’ Embassies in China, this seminar addressed various gender-related challenges in the media sector, both in the EU and China. Key discussions focused on gender stereotypes, the impact of cybercrimes on women, the role of legislation in advancing gender equality, and the particular challenges faced by female journalists. Topics covered ranged from the importance of the Beijing Declaration to the practical challenges of enforcing existing laws, such as Article 23 of the Protection of Women’s Rights. The event brought together key stakeholders from both the European Union and China to share perspectives on representation of women and other gender issues in the media sector. 

The seminar featured two key sessions. The first examined prevailing gender stereotypes and discrimination in media, assessing how China's media policies' contribute to the objectives of the Beijing Declaration. It also evaluated the effectiveness of current legislation in addressing cybercrimes and sexual harassment affecting women online. The second session focused on the experiences and challenges faced by female journalists, highlighting the importance of gender-fair depictions and representations in media content. 

European Union, 2025