Women push boundaries to hit new heights

Over the past 30 years, China has made remarkable strides in poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and other key areas concerning women's well-being, reflecting the rapid progress of women's development in the modern era.

Now, "full-time dads", or fathers who prioritize caregiving for children, managing household responsibilities and stepping back from traditional full-time work to support their families, are no longer making headlines, and are an indication of how gender role stereotypes have loosened their hold in China.

As societal attitudes evolve and professional barriers gradually fade, a growing number of female executives have come to the fore, driving industry innovation with their distinctive leadership styles and professional expertise, and paving the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in many industries.

Wang Fang, chief financial officer of Embraer China, has worked for several multinational companies throughout her career and joined the China branch of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA as a credit specialist and financial analyst. She said success is primarily measured by performance and capability, with the emphasis placed on an individual's contributions, not their gender.

"The challenges that I have focused on are common and professional ones like navigating complex financial regulations, managing risks and ensuring robust financial health for the company, especially during critical times like the COVID-19 pandemic," Wang said.

"From my experience, when an individual demonstrates competence, dedication and a results-oriented mindset, they can earn respect and credibility, regardless of gender," she added.

As a female leader, Wang holds the belief that effective leadership emerges from a blend of diverse qualities. Among these, traits traditionally linked to feminine strengths — such as empathy, attention to detail and communication skills — prove valuable in the fields of finance and management.

Meanwhile, the proportion of female internet entrepreneurs has been rising over the years. Now, China has some 40 million female scientists and technicians, accounting for more than 45 percent of the total, demonstrating their outstanding innovative capabilities in the field of science and technology, according to data revealed at the 2024 Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference.

Wang Lijuan, head of operations, performance and digital at Airbus Beijing Engineering Center, has been driving the company's digital transformation since 2023. Fueled by her passion for technology, she is dedicated to building smarter operational platforms that empower engineers and unlock their creative potential.

"Women in engineering still face certain stereotypes. But I have always believed that skills and curiosity transcend gender. Every challenge is a chance to grow — to learn new technologies, explore new fields, and keep expanding my horizons," Wang said.

She said such a mindset is also reflected in her workplace. Wang believes Airbus has built an open, inclusive environment where everyone has an equal chance to succeed. "From hiring to promotion, the company focuses on performance, ensuring every employee's effort is fairly recognized and rewarded." Such a culture empowers women to thrive in high-tech fields and helps diverse talent reach its full potential, she added.

Wang has also gained broad recognition across Airbus and the wider industry for her expertise and leadership. "The company has shown great trust in me, allowing me to take the lead on major digital transformation initiatives," she said.

Her team's innovations have also attracted government attention, with supportive policies and incentives encouraging companies to keep investing in new technologies. Wang believes such measures help boost digital transformation and open more doors for women in technology to shape innovation and make their mark.