The British Embassy Beijing and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race teamed up to host a panel discussion about gender equality on March 18 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province.

Participants discuss gender equality in the national campaign "Be yourself" in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province on March 18 [Photo by Hu Qing/chinadaily.com.cn]

The event is part of a month-long national campaign "Be Yourself", which started on March 1. The campaign was designed to empower women to reach their full potential, challenge the stereotypes that persist about gender roles as well as raise awareness of the benefits of gender equality in society and female participation in the workforce.

Barbara Woodward CMG OBE, the British ambassador to China, has made a personal pledge to be a convener of successful women in China. She has committed the British Embassy Beijing and Consulates around China to making a difference to the position of women in society and the economy.

Robin Knox-Johnson, founder of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, said: "with more than a third of Clipper Race crew being women from all walks of life, ages and nationalities, it seems fitting to team up with the celebrations in Qingdao and host a discussion about gender equality in sports, and more broadly in high performing teams. "

He said: "we see the way our crew members are empowered through their experience and this provides many insights that can be shared beyond the race itself."

The British Embassy's Charge d'affaires, Martyn Roper, said he was particularly inspired by the Clipper Race’s ability to connect us through the language of sport.

"Whatever our background, whatever our gender, whatever our nationality, we can all be inspired by sporting achievement," adding that it brings together crew members from all walks of life.

"This is an ideal example of the core values that the British Embassy in China has been exploring with our 'Be Yourself' Campaign," he added.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, known as the world's longest route at about 40,000 miles (64,000 kilometers), is a unique event which makes it possible for amateur sailors to sail around the world.