The Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria has stressed the importance of gender equality and the advancement of women’s rights.
The association said this at its 7th anniversary in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day that brought together Nigerians and Chinese women from all walks of life.
Speaking during the event,Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, said: “Today, advancing the comprehensive progress of women’s causes is essential for building a community with a shared future for humanity. It requires the vast contributions of women and their unique roles in both social and family life.
“We must adhere to the concept of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, actively building a harmonious and inclusive social and gender culture to make the international community more inclusive and dynamic.
“Over the past seven years, with the support of the consulate and friends, the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria has made continuous progress, contributing actively to uniting overseas Chinese women, integrating into and giving back to the local society, and promoting the dissemination of Chinese culture.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hauwa Adeeyo, who stood in for the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said: “As you know this is a day set aside for women globally to celebrate the achievement of women, because it’s not easy for one to be a woman in the society where men have taken over, but then women strive so strong to achieve and play the games of men as well.
“So my advice for women is to persevere, to push, as no one is going to give it to us, we have to struggle and work hard to get it.
“And for us, Inspire Inclusion, as the theme of this year, we have to be included. So we have put it that women are included and we ask the government that for everything they do, women should have at least 40% of what is being given to men.”
Also speaking, President of the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, Zhou Jun, said: “Today is a festival to praise the strength of women and showcase their charm. Women, the half of the world, are soft, yet resilient, gentle, yet strong. Their wisdom and sweat weave the colorful tapestry of this world.
“This event is Organize to discuss topics such as women’s empowerment and the vital role of women in both family and career. The aim is to enhance the influence of women in society and encourage us to continue to contribute positive energy to the development of the society.
“Also, today marks the 7th anniversary of the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, we focused on promoting and spreading Chinese culture, as well as giving back to the local community. It has been a path of communication and exchange. The Association always aimed to integrate into the local mainstream society, while promoting and spreading Chinese culture, also, we actively interact with local and international charity organizations in Nigeria.”
The celebration was further enhanced by colorful dance performances by the Chinese association women and the Hua Xing Arts Troupe, captivating the audience with their graceful moves and cultural expressions.
In addition to the event, the Association made a generous donation of N1 million to the IJAMIDO Children’s Home, an orphanage in Ogun State. The donation served as a testament to the association’s commitment to support and uplift children from low income earner families in the society.
