CHINA, NIGERIA COMMEMORATE WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Read Time:3 Minute, 11 Second
By: Balogun Ibrahim
China and Nigeria have reaffirmed the critical role of women in promoting social development and strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing their significant contributions to societal progress.
Speaking at the Happy Chinese New Year celebration of the Lantern Festival and the China-Nigeria Women’s Carnival on Tuesday in Abuja, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yang Jianxing highlighted the importance of the event, which coincides with preparations for International Women’s Day.
Jianxing noted that the Chinese New Year was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the end of 2024, making it a global festival celebrated worldwide.
“Today marks the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in China, the Lantern Festival, and in five days, we will celebrate International Women’s Day,” he said, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Highlighting women’s role in national development, Jianxing said, “The second theme of today’s event is celebrating International Women’s Day. Women are the bond of families, the cornerstone of society, and a key force driving social development and progress.
“Across China and Nigeria, millions of women are making remarkable contributions in their families, workplaces, and to national development through resilience, wisdom, and responsibility.”
He added that over the past three decades, China has implemented the Beijing Declaration of the World Conference on Women, achieving significant and measurable progress.
“Over the past 30 years, China has actively implemented the Beijing Declaration of the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women, significantly advancing the protection of women’s rights.
By the time the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women is held in Beijing in 2025, 690 million women in China will have achieved a moderately prosperous society, the maternal mortality rate will have dropped by nearly 80%, women will constitute over 40% of the total workforce, and more than half of internet-sector entrepreneurs will be women.
“These achievements not only reflect the remarkable progress of women’s causes in China, but also show that China’s current development would not have been possible without the growth and outstanding contributions of women,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, described the celebration as a unique fusion of two great cultures.
“We are gathered not merely to mark a date on the calendar, but to celebrate the remarkable fusion of two great cultures at the Lantern Festival and China-Nigeria Women’s Carnival,” he said.
Muhammad highlighted the symbolic significance of the Lantern Festival and women’s empowerment, noting, “Just as lanterns brighten the night sky, our women illuminate the path of progress. They drive innovation, preserve our cultural heritage, and demonstrate the power of unity.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation, particularly in cultural exchange and the advancement of women’s empowerment.
“We will implement policies that accelerate cultural exchanges, empower our women to take leadership roles in the digital economy, and expand our tourism opportunities,” he said.
Both countries reaffirmed that enhancing women’s access to education and employment is essential for achieving shared prosperity and advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of Office and Representative of the UNESCO Office in Abuja, emphasized the role of culture and education in strengthening Nigeria-China ties while promoting gender equality.
Abiaga said the event went beyond celebration. “It is a living testament to the power of culture and education to build bridges between Nigeria and China, reflecting the enduring dialogue of civilizations at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate.”
He added that societal progress depends on the empowerment of women and girls, highlighting ongoing strides in gender inclusion.
Abiaga also noted that both China and Nigeria, as influential global actors and major economies, have made significant progress in advancing gender equality.
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