BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Senior official Li Changchun on Friday called for more efforts to advance social programs for women and children.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remark while attending an exhibition on the development of programs for women and children at the National Museum of China.

Li described women as being the "half of the sky" that promotes China's social and economic development, while referring to children as the "future and hope of the nation."

The government has always attached great importance to creating a good environment for women and children, Li said, adding that more should be done to create an "atmosphere of respecting women and caring for children."

Li urged relevant government departments and social organizations to make more efforts to promote social programs for women in children in accordance with China's social and economic development.