They could be gentle and soft; they could be strong and vigorous; they are independent and confident; they are brave to show up. "Holding up half the sky", thousands of female NPC deputies and CPPCC members are active in the "two sessions".

The International Women's Day falls on March 8, during the ongoing sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The following photos show the female NPC deputies, CPPCC members and journalists from home and abroad at the "two sessions". (Photo/IC)