The path to progress

? 1995

The Fourth World Conference on Women is held in Beijing, and is seen as a landmark in the global agenda for gender equality. The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, adopted unanimously by 189 countries, are formulated at the conference. The declaration is regarded as a roadmap for women's empowerment and the key global policy document on gender equality.

? 1999

The UN selects Nov 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

? 2008

At the annual meetings of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the All-China Women's Federation proposes the introduction of new laws against domestic violence.

? 2013

The NPC agrees to draft legislation to outlaw domestic violence.

? Nov 25, 2014

The State Council releases a draft document against domestic violence.

? December 2015

The national anti-domestic violence law is approved by the State legislature.

? March 1, 2016

China's first regulation to outlaw domestic violence comes into force.

Cao Yin contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn