The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has reiterated China’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment globally, describing the cause as a key factor in achieving sustainable development.
Speaking at the Celebration of the Successful Convening of Global Leaders Meeting on Women, themed; Lagos Forum: Women’s Empowerment Dialogue, organised by the consulate in partnership with Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, Yuqing said the dialogue aligns with the renewed global momentum for women’s advancement following the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held earlier this month in Beijing, which commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women.
“Equality between men and women has become a universal consensus of the international community,” she said, noting that more than 190 countries have enacted nearly 1,600 laws protecting women’s rights, while 189 have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Highlighting China’s leadership in global women’s development, Yuqing said gender equality is enshrined as a fundamental state policy in China and has been championed personally by President Xi Jinping. She cited the nation’s success in lifting 690 million women out of poverty ahead of the U.N.’s 2030 Agenda targets, adding that Chinese women now constitute more than 40 percent of the workforce and over half of internet start-up founders.
Yuqing said President Xi’s recent proposals for global women’s progress, including fostering enabling environments, advancing high-quality development, building governance frameworks, and promoting international cooperation, chart the course for the advancement of women’s causes worldwide.
She announced that China will donate an additional US$10 million to U.N. Women, allocate US$100 million from its Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and implement 1,000 small and beautiful livelihood programs for women and girls. China will also invite 50,000 women for training programs and establish a Global Center for Women’s Capacity Building to strengthen cooperation with other nations.
“As the first female Consul General of China in Lagos, I am proud to witness the advancement of women’s causes in Nigeria firsthand,” she said, commending Nigerian organisations such as the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, the International Women’s Association, and the International Women’s Organisation for Charity (IWOC) for their contributions to improving women’s lives.
She highlighted China’s partnership with Nigeria through initiatives like Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light (which provides cataract treatments) and Together Fight Hunger (which supports low-income families), both benefiting numerous women and children.
President, Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, Zhou Jun, said the Lagos forum marked 30 years since the first women’s conference in Beijing and was designed to amplify women’s voices and inspire action.
“Women can take up equal responsibilities as men and even much more, but have not been speaking loud enough. Now is the time to speak up and show the world what we can do,” she said.
In her remarks, Cameroon’s Consul General in Lagos, Bibi Lobe, described Lagos as a perfect venue for multicultural gatherings and human empowerment, adding that such platforms would help deepen cooperation between Cameroonian and Nigerian women.
She noted that Cameroon has a dedicated Ministry for Women’s Promotion and that more collaboration would enhance gender empowerment efforts across both nations.
Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, said the forum underscored the shared vision between Lagos and partner nations on inclusive opportunities and women’s development.
“The dialogue serves as a testament to our collective commitment to empowering women and strengthening collaboration,” she said.
Similarly, 68th President of the International Women Society (IWS), Olufunke Oduwole, urged women to unite and speak with one voice, stressing that collaboration remains essential to overcoming gender-based challenges.
“All women need empowerment,” she said. “This forum drives home the message that unity and collaboration are key to surmounting the numerous challenges we face.”
