IWD: China Ahead In Women’s Empowerment, Equality

China has reaffirmed its dedication to the emancipation of women, positioning itself at the forefront of global efforts to improve the status of women, particularly in struggling economies and conflict-affected regions.

The International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 celebrated on March 8, provided the platform for the Chinese Government to organise an elaborate gathering at the Chinese Cultural Center in Abuja to mark the event on Friday. This event attracted a motley crowd of professionals, women and youth groups, academic institutions, cultural groups and civil society organisations which converged   for a befitting celebration of Women.

The Chinese government aptly embraced the theme of the event, “Her Story and Future,” which resonated with this year’s United Nations IWD theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai reflected on the progress women have made over the past three decades in fields such as politics, economics, technology, and culture, stressing that gender is no longer a barrier to human exploration even as he emphasized that when women have equal access to education and resources, they can shape history.

“Over the past 30 years, we have witnessed remarkable achievements by women in political, economic, technological, and cultural fields across the world, as they have written a glorious chapter in their story.

“Gender has never been a barrier for human exploration. Civilisation, science and technology could always break down prejudices. When women enjoy equal education and fair resource access, they would be able to make history,” he noted.

The People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 and from that moment onwards, the Chinese government has placed a strong focus on women’s rights by enabling a comprehensive legal framework that includes over 100 laws and regulations designed to protect women.

These have offered limitless opportunities for the Chinese women to thrive in varied fields of human endeavours as women constitute up to 45 percent of the workforce of China and in the internet sector, female entrepreneurs outnumber their male counterparts, making up 55 percent of the total.  This development feeds on the assertion of Chinese President Xi Jinping that women are central to the progress of civilization just as gender equality is a fundamental policy in China.

The Chinese envoy underscored that the achievements of women in China are a testament to the nation’s unique human rights practices and a significant contribution to global equality and peace.

Dunhai also noted that China’s cooperation with Nigeria has fostered improvements for Nigerian women, including better access to medical resources, agricultural training, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

He commended the growing partnership between the two nations and expressed optimism that more Nigerian women would benefit from the high-quality cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative.

“Over the years, practical cooperation between China and Nigeria has deepened across various fields, providing many Nigerian women with better medical resources, more agricultural skills, and increased business and entrepreneurial opportunities,” the envoy said.

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Oraeluno Raphael, stressed that women are the foundation of life, both biologically and spiritually.

Raphael lauded women’s resilience,  adding that women have made crucial contributions across various fields, including agriculture, science, technology, education, and business, while also carrying the weight of the world’s problems on their shoulders.

He said, “Whenever a woman is in a position of authority, you will see peace. You will see decorum. You will see things moving.”

Raphael believes that this is why Nigeria is “clamouring for the first female president so that this country can experience tremendous development.”

Furthermore, he highlighted the ministry’s efforts to promote women in various artistic and cultural sectors, such as arts, crafts, photography, film production, and culinary arts.

The Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Olubunmi Olowookere encouraged women to recognise their value and the importance of their stories. She also acknowledged the support of men who advocate for gender equality, describing them as key allies in advancing the cause.

“Today, we come together not only to celebrate the achievements of women but to recognise the power of their stories in shaping the future as encapsulated in the theme for today’s event.

“Their voices, struggles, and triumphs have transformed societies, enriched cultures, and inspired progress. As we honour the past, we must also commit to a future where every woman has the opportunity to rise, lead, and thrive,” the Permanent secretary said.

Highlights of the occasion were musical renditions by Nigerian groups, some of who sang in Chinese language amid other performances showcasing the rich cultural exchanges and deep relations between Nigeria and China.