Shanghai has unveiled a comprehensive plan through 2030 to advance the well-being of women and children further, officials said on Aug 19.

"Advancing the well-being of women and children is a core measure of Shanghai's people-centered urban growth," said Zhang Hua, chair of the Shanghai Women's Federation. "It is fully integrated into every stage of our economic and social planning."

The plan, spanning the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), focuses on three aspects: women's development, children's development, and family development, with the latter featured as a stand-alone pillar for the first time.

The family development targets outlined in the plan cover a range of areas, including elder care, family doctors, and parent-friendly jobs.

The new blueprint builds on significant progress made from 2021 to 2025, during which women accounted for 44.1 percent of urban employment, while their participation in civic and community affairs ranked among the highest in the country.

Shanghai's key health indicators reached internationally advanced levels, with maternal and infant mortality rates remaining among the lowest in the world. Enrollment rates for preschool and high school consistently exceeded 99 percent.

The plan outlines five priority areas for women's development: ensuring political and social participation rights, creating favorable employment conditions, enhancing scientific and cultural literacy, safeguarding health across all life stages, and strengthening legal protections.

Officials have unveiled plans to implement programs that support women in science and technology, establish gender-responsive business practices, and expand support for organizations serving women in emerging employment sectors, particularly in the new digital economy.

"We will host premium international exchange activities to enhance Shanghai women's participation and influence on the international stage," Zhang added.

Shanghai is China's first municipality to promote child-friendly urban development comprehensively. From 2023 to 2025, the city worked with nine pilot districts and 100 demonstration sites. Over the next three years, the city will add or renovate 100 outdoor children's play spaces and create 40 child-friendly parks.

Healthcare initiatives will focus on children's weight management, vision protection, mental health, bone development, and oral health. Shanghai will also expand access to professional mental healthcare for children and adolescents.

"Currently, 735 health professionals serve as vice-principals across 1,159 childcare institutions and schools, with monitoring showing declining rates of student myopia and obesity, plus improved mental health scores," said Di Jianzhong, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission.

The Shanghai People's Procuratorate reports that juvenile crime rates have fallen by 81.6 percent from their historical peaks due to prevention and protection measures.

Responding to evolving population trends and family structures, Shanghai is building a convenient family education service network accessible within a 15-minute walk or commute. Since 2024, the city has established 243 family education spaces in bookshops, libraries, youth centers, and cultural venues.

Certain districts are trialing evening parent education programs held outside typical work hours, while others collaborate with nearby universities to create parenting courses and train community volunteers. Additionally, the family education instructor role has been included in China's occupational directory.

Source: China Daily