BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese leader said here Tuesday morning that women have been irreplaceable forces for China's cause of reform and social development.

    He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau and Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the CPC Central Committee to the opening of the Tenth National Women's Congress at the Great Hall of the People.

He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th National Women's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Oct. 28, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    He said, in the past three decades, the Chinese women were led by the CPC to play unique roles in socialist construction and make great contribution to deepening the reform, expanding the opening, speeding up the development and promoting social harmony.

    The brilliant Chinese women were exemplified by many role models including a police chief Ren Changxia, a judge Song Yushui and a navy doctor Feng Lida.

    Since the beginning of this year, uncountable women have showed their outstanding characteristics in fighting against the heavy snow disasters in south China, helping rescue victims after the massive earthquake on May 12 in southwest China's Sichuan Province, as well as working hard for the success of the Beijing Olympic Games and Beijing Paralympics, He said.

    It was proved that women's federations at various levels were good bridges between the women and the government, He said, hoping that the women could make further contribution to comprehensively building up a moderately prosperous society for the whole Chinese nation.

    He said he hopes the women to be active in building social harmony, which is the common aspiration of all the Chinese.

    The women are encouraged to play a unique role in families and communities, He said, adding that the women should appropriately deal with problems or contradictions in the process of reform and social development and wisely balance long-term benefits and current interests.

    He also urged the government at various levels to earnestly hear complaint and advice from the women as well as safeguard legitimate rights of both women and children.

    He said that the legal system for protecting women's and children's rights should be bettered and any social evils that damage women's physical or mental health should be eradicated.

    Meanwhile, He called on the Chinese women's federations to strengthen their contacts with women in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese women in foreign countries.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao and other top state leaders Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, and Zhou Yongkang also attended the congress opening. Premier Wen Jiabao is in Russia for a visit.