Women's Day celebrated to boost China-Africa cultural exchanges

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Feng Lan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, said China is a harmonious big family with cultural diversity. "Today, I am deeply touched by affectionate friendship between China and Africa meeting with sisters from Africa countries," she said.

"China and Africa have always attached great importance to the role of women," said Li Yafang, President of BEIJING REVIEW. She quoted what Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the Global Women's Summit held at the UN Headquarters in September 2015.

Xi stressed that women are creators of material and spiritual wealth and represent an important force driving social development and progress. Without women, there would be no continuity of the human race or the human society.

"Chinese and African women, though having different values and traditions, are both beautiful, diligent, resilient and kind. These form the foundations for mutual understanding and exchange," she said.

Li believes today's event will provide a platform for a rich exchange of cultures. "The activities will help us have a better understanding and recognition of each other, and a more profound friendship," she said.

Song Min, Vice President of Minzu University of China, welcomed the arrival of the distinguished guests in her speech. "African peoples have long created and developed brilliant ancient civilizations. China is thousands of miles away from Africa and they are separated by the oceans, but we have a long history of friendly exchanges," she said.

Song said that today is also China's Arbor Day. "Let our tree of friendship thrive, bloom and bear fruits," she said, adding that she looks forward to further promoting the friendly cooperation between the university and its counterparts in African countries through this event.

Around 50 women from over 10 African countries showcased their traditional national attire, representing the image of beautiful, confident and independent African women.

Guests also enjoyed performances from artists of a variety of Chinese ethnic minorities, listened to a recital from university student Zhou Xiangmin about the African women she admires, and visited the Museum of Ethnic Cultures.

This event was supported by the Embassy of South Africa in China, the Embassy of Cabo Verde in China and the Southern African Development Community Women's Association.

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