I am very pleased to see such a grand assembly convened today.

Our female compatriots are now not only oppressed by Japanese imperialism, traitorous reactionaries, local tyrants, and exploitative gentry, but also by certain backward-minded men. … In some places, women are still barred from attending mass meetings, from speaking out, from enjoying freedom and equality, and from participating in public affairs—this is entirely wrong. We women must be allowed to hold meetings, to speak, and to take action; we must have freedom and equality. All women across the country should strengthen their unity. If tens of millions of women were to form a single organization, our collective strength would be vastly greater. Everyone should join forces and strive unremittingly for the freedom and equality of women throughout the nation. We must be prepared to carry on this struggle for ten or even twenty years, seeking solutions to every problem and relief from every form of suffering. The liberation of women will surely be achieved.

The women of Yan’an today enjoy such freedom and equality—they can hold meetings and speak. It is essential that women everywhere in the country be able to do the same. The women of Yan’an should lead the way in mobilizing women nationwide to rise up together and make concerted efforts…

(Excerpted from the Xin Zhonghua Daily)