On March 6, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe held a reception to commemorate the International Women's Day. The Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services of Zimbabwe, attended the reception as the guest of honour. About 100 guests joined the event, including female diplomatic envoys and spouses of ambassadors to Zimbabwe, guests from the Zimbabwean government, business, cultural and educational circles, representatives of the Chinese community in Zimbabwe, and friends from all walks of life.
On behalf of the Embassy and Ambassador Guo shaochun, Counselor Wang Wei, wife of the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, extended festive greetings to the guests present. She said both China and Zimbabwe attach great importance to gender equality and the advancement women's cause. In China, women's status has been continuously improved and they are playing an increasingly prominent role in society and the economy. As the Chinese often put it, women hold up half the sky. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Zimbabwe and increased interactions between women will enrich our bilateral cooperation.
Wang said that the outbreak of COVID-19 concerns people all over the world. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has mobilized resources to curb its spread at home and abroad. On this battleground, many female doctors, nurses, and volunteers, fought as bravely as their male colleagues and embodied the true beauty of women. With their determination and the joint efforts of the Chinese and people from all over the world, we are sure to win this battle and embrace a healthier future.
Minister Mutsvangwa looked back on her own experience during the Zimbabwean liberation struggle and national development. She commended women’s contribution to the country and reviewed the measures taken by the country to secure gender equality and advance women’s rights. She said China has made outstanding achievement in promoting women’s development. As the wife of the former ambassador to China, she learned a lot from her stay in China. In fact, China hosted the Beijing World Conference on Women 25 years ago, which was a milestone event in women’s cause. She called on women all over the world to join hands and forge ahead for the all-round development of women and a more prosperous world.
At the reception, Chinese female diplomats performed traditional dances of Chinese ethnic minorities and played traditional Chinese musical instruments. Zimbabwean Dream Star artists sang a song specially created to show support for China’s fight against COVID-19. Counselor Wang Wei performed a sign dance with other female ambassadors and spouses to express solidarity with Wuhan.
Guests spoke highly of China’s swift and robust measures against COVID-19 and commended China’s achievement in advancing women’s cause. They also expressed their wish to learn from China’s experience in promoting the development of women, children and public health so as to build a more balanced society.