China honors ten women as national exemplary workers at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday, February 29, 2008. [Photo: Xinhua]

China honored 10 women as national exemplary workers on Friday as the country prepares to celebrate the 98th International Women's Day on March 8.

A conference marking the 98th anniversary of International Women's Day was held the same day at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Conference participants issued awards to another 1,193 individual women and 1,000 women's groups for their outstanding achievements, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Ten distinguished mothers and 10 "most capable" rural women also received awards.