BEIJING - An official document released on Monday said that local governments above the county level should employ more women in leadership positions to ensure that the country's women are properly represented in political affairs.

The Outline for the Development of Chinese Women (2011-2020) issued by the State Council, or China's cabinet, said that the central government will continue to boost women's participation in the management of state and social affairs, stressing that the number of female leaders should be gradually increased over the next decade.

The document said that the government has set a target of enshrining the concept of gender equity into more laws over the next ten years.

"At least 30 percent of the members of any given villagers' committee should be female, and at least 10 percent of the heads of villagers' committee should be women," the outline said.

For members of urban neighborhood committees, the proportion of women should be around 50 percent, it said.

The document promised to gradually increase the number of female officials in the leadership of China's central, provincial and city governments.

The 30,000-word document outlined goals, policies and measures to ensure women's legitimate rights and interests regarding health care, education, employment, social security and participation in state affairs.

The outline aims to ensure that women equally exercise their democratic rights in accordance with the law, participate in economic and social development and enjoy the fruits of national reform and development.

The outline also vowed to eliminate gender discrimination in employment.

"Women should account for at least 40 percent of the employed population," the outline said.

It also stated that departments at various levels should create conditions of education and training programs for women to ensure that they account for 35 percent of senior professional and technical personnel over the next ten years.