China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality through cultural diplomacy, creative collaboration, and global advocacy. The partnership was highlighted during the celebration of the China Women’s Film Festival held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, emphasized China’s long-standing dedication to gender equality and women’s development. He noted that the Chinese government continues to prioritize women’s advancement in education, employment, and social inclusion, while integrating gender equality targets into its national planning framework.
Zhou disclosed that the forthcoming Global Women’s Summit will focus on strengthening gender equality and empowering women as central pillars of sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Chinese women have played an indispensable role in transforming China from a poor and backward nation into a global economic powerhouse over the past five decades,” Zhou said, adding that China remains committed to working with Nigeria and other countries to promote women’s empowerment and open a new chapter in global gender equality.
Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, lauded China’s partnership with Nigeria in promoting cultural diplomacy through initiatives like the China Women’s Film Festival. He noted that such collaborations celebrate women in film while strengthening creative and cultural ties between both nations.
He further highlighted the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to enhance female representation in governance, revealing that constitutional amendments are being pursued to reserve 30 percent of leadership positions for women.
“When women tell their stories, society evolves; and when nations exchange their art, peace and prosperity follow,” Zock stated.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister of Women Affairs, H.E. Iman Suleman-Ibrahim, Ms. Rukkayah praised the China Women’s Film Festival as a platform that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to inspire social change.
She noted that the festival coincides with renewed global reflection on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework guiding international advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment over the past three decades.
Rukkayah also highlighted the alignment between Nigeria’s collaboration with China and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes women’s economic empowerment, family welfare, and social inclusion.
She expressed optimism that deepening cooperation with China would enhance opportunities for women-led entrepreneurship, creative exchange, and digital storytelling, ensuring that women’s voices continue to shape communities and drive sustainable progress.
The event underscored the growing synergy between Nigeria and China in promoting gender equality, leveraging the creative industries, and using culture as a bridge for mutual understanding and shared development.
