China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and deeper cultural collaboration.

Both countries stated this during the Chinese Women Film Festival organised by the Chinese embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

Zhou Hongyou, a Minister in the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said women had played indispensable roles in the development of human society.

According to him, women are not only the foundation of families and societies, but also a vital force driving social development and progress.

He highlighted China’s consistent commitment to advancing women’s status. Mr Zhou said that the Chinese government had created equal opportunities in education and employment, thereby enabling women to play a crucial role in China’s transformation over the past four decades.

“China is both an advocate and practitioner in promoting gender equality and the all-round development of women. Our efforts have ensured that 690 million women have achieved moderate prosperity, with women now accounting for 43 per cent of the total employed population,” he said.

Mr Zhou also referenced the white paper titled ‘China’s Achievements in Women’s Well-Rounded Development in the New Era’, which outlines progress in women’s life expectancy, education, and inclusion in national planning.

He reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with Nigeria and other nations in order to accelerate the comprehensive development of women globally.

The Chinese official added that the festival aligned with the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation.

Gabriel Zock, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, lauded the Chinese embassy and the China Cultural Centre for their commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy.

He said the festival highlighted the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women through cinema. Mr Zock said that it also aligned with Nigeria’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030) to empower women and youth through the creative industries.

“Our committee remains committed to advancing policies that promote gender inclusion and protect intellectual property. When women tell their stories, societies evolve; when nations exchange their art, peace and prosperity follow,” he said.

The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the festival as “a platform that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.”

The minister said Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligned with global efforts to promote women’s empowerment. According to her, the collaboration with China offers immense opportunities for cultural exchange, digital storytelling, and women-led entrepreneurship.

(NAN)