By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has stated that more Nigerian women will benefit from China-Nigeria high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

He made this known during the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration on Friday in Abuja, themed “Her Story and Future,” which aligns with the United Nations’ IWD theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” The event also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Yu emphasized that gender should not be a barrier to human progress, adding that equal access to education and resources enables women to shape history and drive development.

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.”

Reflecting on the progress made over the past 30 years, Yu noted that women have made remarkable achievements in politics, the economy, technology, and culture, playing a vital role in shaping history.

“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,” he added.

Speaking on the importance of the role of women in China, Yu stated that since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the government has built a comprehensive legal framework with over 100 laws and regulations designed to protect women’s rights.

This, he said, has contributed to the average life expectancy of Chinese women reaching nearly 81 years, while women now make up 45 percent of the workforce.

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, emphasizing their crucial contributions across various fields, including agriculture, science, technology, education, and business.

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 added that this is why people are “clamouring for the first female president, so that this country can experience tremendous development.”

Also speaking, 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 emphasized 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.