A new organization dedicated to improving girls’ lives in Wuling of northwest China’s Hunan province held a launch ceremony in Beijing on July 18.

The launch ceremony for the 2016 “Volunteering to Fulfill Dreams for Girls” program opens in Beijing on July 18. [Photo/nhfpc.gov.cn]

The program—entitled “Volunteering to Fulfill Dreams for Girls” —attracted 135 volunteers from all walks of life who will establish long-term relationships with girls in need as well as organize open classes about puberty, dreams, and spiritual growth.

Reading rooms and digital libraries will also be set up in Wuling and Sinan county of Guizhou province as part of the campaign.

Wang Peian, deputy head of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), addressed the audience at the ceremony. He said the imbalanced sex ratio for infants in China has begun to change. During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the rate dropped from 117.94 in 2010 to 113.51 in 2015, Wang said.

He also noted that gender equality reflects social equality and justice, and it serves as a symbol of a civil society.

The program aims to motive girls to bravely pursue their dreams by fostering a favorable social environment for girls to grow and develop, Wang said, calling for broad participation by the general public.

Gu Xiulian, director of the Working Committee for the Care of the Next Generation, waves a flag to start the ceremony. [Photo/nhfpc.gov.cn]

Gu Xiulian, former vice-chairperson of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and director of the Working Committee for the Care of the Next Generation, announced kicked off the ceremony.