According to local sources, the new outline sums up the implementation and effects of the plan for the development of women in Tibet from 1996-2000 and puts forward the overall aims and goals for the development of women from 2001-2010.

The new outline has set six priorities for development, including women's participation in decision-making and management, education medical care and legal security of women, and highlights the development of women in remote and poverty-stricken areas, in keeping with the main theme of promoting development of women.

The publication of the outline is aimed at intensifying functions of governments at local levels, mobilizing society to create a satisfactory social environment for the progress and development of women, and encouraging and assisting Tibetan women to work towards their own progress through participating in economic activities, social work and maintaining social stability, says a local official.

(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2001)