British Ambassador to China, Barbara Woodward, in an interview with CRI. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

The British Ambassador to China, Barbara Woodward, has pledged to be a convener of successful women, and to make a difference to the position of women in Chinese society and the economy.

Woodward, who's Britain's first female ambassador to Beijing, spoke to CRI at the launch of the 'Be Yourself' campaign.

"So this year for International Women's Day, the United Nations is taking the theme "Make It Happen". I think it's very inspiring, it's very motivational. So the piece of advice I would offer, I think, to women is the title of our own month-long campaign here, which is "Be Yourself". Know yourself, be confident in your ambitions, be yourself and claim your positions in society."

The campaign aims to empower women to reach their full potential, challenge gender stereotypes, and raise awareness of the benefits of equality in society and women in the workforce.

If women were to play a full part in the global economy, she says, global GDP would grow by about 27 percent, bringing huge benefits to everyone across the world - men and women.

Woodward says China is making progress, but there is still much to do.

"So women are taking more prominent roles in society, and in media, but I think there are still areas where it will be nice to see more female leaders emerging. So there are some areas, the top of business, where we haven't got perhaps as many Chinese (female) business leaders as would be beneficial for the economy, and I think in the government, it would be very good indeed to see more women taking part in leading positions."

Each department of the British Embassy and Consulates around China will be holding special events throughout March - such as film festivals, training sessions and discussions - to highlight the value of women in various fields and to think ways to promote gender equality.

There'll also be an opportunity to meet the female crew members of the Great Britain Clipper Round the World Race yacht team when they arrive in Qingdao.