The 2001 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service

RESPONSE of  Wu Qing
Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies
31 August 2001, Manila, Philippines

Your Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, members of the Magsaysay family, distinguished guests, trustees, fellow awardees, ladies and gentlemen:

I feel very honored to be an awardee of the 2001 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service. In honoring me, you honor countless women and men who advocate and fight for gender equality, the rule of law, and the involvement of people at the grassroots level in making changes for a better China and a better world.

My thanks go first to my deceased parents, who not only gave me life, but also instilled values in me - integrity, honesty, caring, and sharing. They were my first teachers, who taught me with their words and with their actions that China needs people who are willing to dedicate themselves to her and to the people. I learned from them that I am a human being first and a woman second; that as a woman I can have my own career and a family. They also taught me that as a social being, I should respect and share with others, reach out to help, and to make changes.

Next, I say "Thank you" to women, especially rural women whom I have had the good fortune to know, serve, and learn from. Women in the remote areas in China have taught me of their valiant struggle to overcome poverty and deprivation. This has empowered me. I want to join forces with them to make the needed changes. Though many of them are illiterate, they know their priorities - equality, development, environmental protection, and peace. Without their advice, wisdom, and support, I would not be receiving this award.

It is those courageous women who have helped me decide that placing women's issues firmly on the Chinese agenda is a cause to which I will dedicate the rest of my life.

All my constituents who have supported me for seventeen years also deserve my heartfelt thanks. My experience as a deputy has matured my capacity for participating in politics. Those constituents have helped me to learn about the Constitution, the system and functions of the People's Congress, and the rights and responsibilities of an individual and a People's Deputy. As China changes from a planned economy to a market economy, our understanding of democracy and the rule of law will grow. The people insist that their views be reflected by their deputies, and they demand accountability from us. I am especially encouraged by the amendment to Article 5 of the Constitution, the first paragraph of which provides: "The People's Republic of China governs the country according to law and makes it a socialist country ruled by law," which was adopted on March 15, 1999.

I want to thank my husband, Chen Shu, who has come with me to receive this award, and our son, Chen Gang. Without their inspiration and help, I would not have had time to do this important work.

And finally, I thank the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation for giving me the award. This recognition empowers and encourages me to work still harder for women and men in China. I hope it will do the same to all the Chinese people and people throughout the world.

The mission is clear. It is equality, peace, democracy, and justice for all peoples.