More Nigerian Women to Benefit from China-Nigeria Relationship, Says Envoy

By: Michael Mike

More Nigerian women are expected to benefit from China-Nigeria high quality cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai said on Friday.

The envoy made the disclosure of Friday at the 2025 International Women’s Day in Abuja, with the theme: “Her Story and Future,” aligning with this year’s United Nations IWD theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” which also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

He noted that gender should not be a barrier for human exploit, stressing that when women have equal access to education and resources, they can shape history.

He said: “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. Last year, President Tinubu successfully visited China and attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, elevating China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

“The positive development of China-Nigeria relations is inseparable from the direct participation and active promotion of women from both countries in various sectors. China will work with Nigeria to better implement the consensus reached by our leaders, carry out the Ten Partnership Action Plans, including promoting women’s exchanges, and jointly build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

“ I believe more women will benefit from the high-quality cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative, realizing their dreams, and creating an even more splendid future.

“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 Herstory.

“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.”

Speaking on the importance of the role of women in China, Yu said since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese government has placed a strong focus on women’s rights, building a comprehensive legal framework that includes over 100 laws and regulations designed to protect women.

He said this has reflects in the average life expectancy for Chinese women which is nearly 81 years, and women now make up 45 percent of the workforce.

Yu said: “China has established a comprehensive legal system to protect women’s rights, comprising over 100 laws and regulations.

“The average life expectancy of Chinese women has reached nearly 81 years, and the gender gap in education has been essentially eliminated.

“Women account for nearly 45 percent of the total workforce, and in the internet sector, female entrepreneurs outnumber their male counterparts, making up 55 percent of the total.”

The ambassador further highlighted China’s ongoing political events, particularly the “Two Sessions” in Beijing, where women actively contribute as representatives and play key roles in national development.

On his part, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Oraeluno Raphael, praised the resilience of women, saying that their 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.”
He also added that this is why people are “clamouring for the first female president. So that this country can experience tremendous development.”

On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Olubunmi Olowookere, praised the achievements of women and acknowledged the theme of the celebration, ‘Her Story, Her Future.’

Olowookere stated that women’s stories are a testament to resilience, courage, and the pursuit of dreams, noting that women have consistently broken barriers and shaped societies.

She explained the importance of continuing to foster a future where women can thrive, lead, and contribute to all spheres, from science and business to arts and leadership.

Olowookere encouraged all women present to recognize 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.

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

“The theme, ‘Her Story, Her Future,’ reminds us that every woman’s journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the pusuit of dreams. From history to the present, women have broken barriers, challenged norms, and paved the way for future generations.

“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.”

More Nigerian Women to Benefit from China-Nigeria Relationship, Says Envoy