Diageo, one of the world's leading premium drinks enterprises, has launched a fund to support women in China by providing them with a wide range of learning opportunities designed to improve their social and economic status.

The Diageo Plan W Fund, partnered by the China Women's Development Foundation, was launched at a ceremony in Beijing.

China plans to donate 1 million yuan ($161,000) to the fund every year over the next five years, directly and indirectly benefiting an estimated 100,000 women nationwide.

Diageo will work with the foundation to design and implement training and employment programs to support Chinese women in need.

During the first year of the program, the fund will provide vocational training for 1,000 women in Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces. Printed and online training resources will reach a much broader audience.

It is estimated that about 20,000 women will benefit from this initiative annually.

"Diageo has long been committed to supporting local communities in China. Today, we are placing greater emphasis on women and their empowerment. Women already represent half of our workforce in China and their continued development and growth is key to the success of our people and our business. We hope that the fund will provide women across China with similar opportunities to grow," said Lin Menuhin, corporate relations director of Diageo Greater China.