BEIJING, Nov. 20 -- Premier Li Keqiang called on authorities to make constant efforts in improving the overall conditions of women and children in the country.

Li made the remarks in a speech delivered at the sixth national working conference on women and children on Friday. The full text of the speech was released on Sunday.

In addition to endorsing laws, regulations and guidelines to support the groups, the nation also carried out programs including cancer screening for women and improved nutrition for children in poverty-stricken areas, according to Li.

Health conditions of women and children have improved markedly, with women's average life expectancy standing at 79.4 years old and the mortality rates for infants and children under five dropping to 8.1 per thousand and 10.7 per thousand respectively, Li said.

"Overall, these readings are at the same level as those reported in medium- and high-income countries," he said.

According to Li, the educational rights of women and children have been protected and women's rights in fields including politics, the economy, culture and social activities have been effectively safeguarded.

While acknowledging the remarkable achievements made in this regard in recent years, Li stressed women and children's development faces many challenges and difficulties ahead.

"There are still some backward notions and social conventions, and the development of women and children remains unbalanced between urban and rural areas and among regions," Li said.

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