China has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria and other nations to advance women’s empowerment, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the China Women’s Film Festival in Abuja, Zhou Hongyou, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said China remains dedicated to promoting women’s participation in education, employment, and social inclusion. He described women as a vital force in the country’s transformation and global cooperation efforts.
According to him, the forthcoming Global Women’s Summit will focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women as key contributors to sustainable growth in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Chinese women have fully utilised their intelligence, talents, and creativity, playing an indispensable role in China’s transformation from a poor and backward country to a world economic powerhouse,” Zhou said. “China is also deepening cooperation with Nigeria and other nations to promote women’s all-round development and open a new chapter in the global women’s movement.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, Gabriel Saleh Zock, commended China’s collaboration with Nigeria in using film and cultural initiatives to promote gender inclusion. He said such partnerships foster creative exchange and mutual understanding between both nations.
“I commend the Embassy of China and the China Cultural Center in Nigeria for their consistent commitment to cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration,” Zock said. “When women tell their stories, society evolves; and when nations exchange their art, peace and prosperity follow.”
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleman-Ibrahim, Rukkayah described the festival as a platform celebrating women’s resilience and creativity. She noted that the event coincides with renewed global reflection on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which remains a key framework for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She added that Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, continues to prioritise programmes that uplift women, strengthen families, and support vulnerable groups.
“Deepening collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria holds immense promise for advancing women’s development,” she said. “Together, our partnership can expand opportunities for capacity-building, women-led entrepreneurship, and creative industry exchange.”
