From the founding of the People's Republic,
chinese women have continuously enhanced their capabilities and played an important role in the economy. Their achievements and leadership in various fields have won them widespread recognition. From 1949 to 1988, 24,858,000 women were given the title of advanced worker. In 1978-1992, 572 outstanding females were cited as "national model workers" and 20,152 were named "March 8 pacesetters". In addition, 936 females received national "May 1" labor medals.