There was no torch, but a solemn relay took place on Friday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during the closing session of the 10th National Women's Congress.

Chen Zhili, one of China's top lawmakers, took over the chairwomanship of the All-China Women's Federation from Gu Xiulian with a warm embrace that won a standing ovation from the 1,400 delegates.

In her 16-page farewell speech, Gu, a former chemical industry minister and later a top lawmaker, shared her personal experiences as the head of the national non governmental women's organization for the past decade.

She especially highlighted the hurdles that still prevent Chinese women from enjoying the same rights as men, while expressing her high hopes for her successor and the federation's new leadership.

The drafting and carrying-out of policies has failed to fully take into account the basic national policy that women should enjoy the same rights as men, Gu said, after summarizing the great progress Chinese women have achieved in all spheres.

But women's participation in politics still lags behind some countries, she said.

Although reforms and the market economy have offered new opportunities for women's development, the pursuit for profit has caused social inequality, she said, citing discrimination against women especially in employment and the allocation of farmland in rural areas.

Gu said the constitution and the law on the protection of women's rights, both of which stipulate gender equality, should be upheld and translated into action.

Meanwhile, she said officials of the women's federation should shoulder their responsibilities to organize, guide and serve women.

Echoing Gu's words, Chen Zhili, the federation's new chairwoman, gave what many delegates said was a short and succinct six-page speech.

But her pledge was clear. She called on the women's federation, from its national office to the local branches, to upgrade its services, enhance women's capabilities, and utilize all resources to create opportunities for more women to achieve their goals.

She also promised to conduct further field studies to learn about new problems that women encounter and strive to make sure that women enjoy, maintain and develop their own interests and that the legal rights of women and children are genuinely protected.

Ending with her speech with "Glory belongs to Chinese women", Chen won warm applause from the delegates.

(China Daily November 1, 2008)