The Ninth National Women's Congress has elected a new line-up for its leading organization--- the All-China Women's Federation. It includes a new President and an eight-member standing committee.

The new president also serves as vice chair of China's top law-making body. Gu Xiulian stated her commitment to women's causes.

"The new leading body will devote us to serve women around the country," said Gu Xiulian, President of All-China Women's Federation.

Gu and the eight-member standing committee were chosen from the 245-member executive committee, elected by 1,300 women delegates Monday morning.

These delegates represent almost half of the nation's population. The congress convenes in Beijing every five years. The new line-up has promised to help another 2 million women get re-employed during their tenure.

Among these attendees are the elite from all sectors of society. Some are household names like Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue. She's one of the newly-elected executive committee members.

The All-China Women's Federation, the nation's top women's organization, was founded in 1949.

(CCTV.com August 26, 2003)