China's National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) held a symposium on December 11 in Beijing to discuss the development of the country's "Care for Girls" Program.

The commission initiated the project in 2013 in order to help girls in underdeveloped regions build their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Wang Pei'an, deputy director of the NHFPC, said the group has firmly cracked down on pre-natal gender tests and gender-selective abortions, helping balance the gender ratio in the nation.

"We have also carried out a series of campaigns to offer care for girls, and issued and improved several policies favorable for such groups and their families.

"The program has so far covered 17 counties, districts and cities in five provinces," he added.

Over 300 people attended the meeting, including officials of the NHFPC and Health and Family Planning Commissions from several provinces, volunteers and girls' representatives.