China and Nigeria have underscored women’s empowerment as key to national development and progress, reaffirming a joint commitment to gender equality, education and people-to-people exchanges.
This was disclosed in Abuja, at the Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival and China-Nigeria Women ‘s Carnival.
Addressing the gathering, Director of China Cultural Centre, Mr. Yang Jianxing said the celebration reflected shared values and a growing friendship between the two nations.
Mr Jianxing emphasised that millions of women in China and Nigeria are making significant contributions to their families, workplaces, and national development.
Mr Jianxing said; “This concept forms the profound cultural foundation of China’s “community with a shared future for mankind” philosophy. At the same time, we also want to use today’s event to celebrate and praise the outstanding contributions women have made to our economic and social development, and reaffirm the important consensus that only by ensuring women have better access to education and employment opportunities can our world achieve greater prosperity and development.”
According to him, China has implemented the Beijing Declaration, protecting women’s rights and achieving significant progress.
Mr Jianxing noted that 690 million women in China have achieved a moderately prosperous society, with women accounting for over 40% of the workforce and more than half of internet entrepreneurs.
Also speaking, the Head of UNESCO Office Abuja, Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, described the carnival as a ‘testament to culture and education building bridges between Nigeria and China.’
He called for collaboration and shared action, highlighting China’s strides in advancing gender equality.
The Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mukhtar YawaIe Muhammad said the festival symbolised the fusion of two great civilizations, with women as key drivers of cultural preservation and innovation.
The event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and development partners, blending cultural celebration with renewed pledges to expand opportunities for women.