Liang Huili, wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, has advocated for the establishment of fresh avenues for women to engage in the decision-making process and to have a more active role in national, economic, cultural, and social governance.
She made the plea during “The Women in Culture” celebration at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, as part of activities commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration.
Mrs Liang stressed that to achieve genuine gender equality, it is imperative to eradicate prejudice, discrimination, and violence against women and to make gender equality a societal norm embraced by all.
She emphasized that the pursuit of a better life in the 21st century would be futile without comprehensive progress in women’s development. She asserted that this can only be accomplished by “removing barriers and establishing a conducive environment where women are empowered, their creativity unleashed, and they genuinely feel content, happy, and secure.”
Recognizing women as the architects of human civilization and catalysts for societal advancement, Mrs Liang advocated for the creation of more employment opportunities for women and a crackdown on violations of women’s rights and interests. She also called for an enhancement of social services, with particular attention given to special groups such as pregnant women, the underprivileged, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Also speaking, Mrs Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, represented by James Sule, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, highlighted that the 2024 International Women’s Day serves as a platform to contemplate the contributions made by women in nation-building and the obstacles they encounter.
The minister said: “Women have consistently played a pivotal role in shaping societies, propelling economies, and fostering innovation. In Nigeria, women have been key figures in various industries and sectors, significantly contributing to the socio-economic advancement of our nation. From entrepreneurship to politics, from education to healthcare, from arts to technology, women have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity to lead, inspire, and effect change.”
Mrs Hannatu expressed gratitude to the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria for their efforts in empowering Nigerian women through capacity-building programs and cultural exchanges. She affirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing women with the necessary tools and resources to overcome challenges impeding their goals and potential.
The celebration featured captivating musical performances by Nigerian and Chinese artists, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, as well as a flower arrangement lecture and demonstration.
International Women’s Day is a global observance commemorated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, shedding light on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
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