The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reaffirmed China’s dedication to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Nigeria through strategic collaboration. Ambassador Yu Dunhai Highlights Strategic Collaboration at International Women’s Day Event
Speaking on March 7, 2025, in Abuja at the “Her Story and Future” event—organized by the Chinese Embassy in partnership with the Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs—the ambassador underscored the significance of the 115th International Women’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a landmark global framework for protecting women’s rights.
Ambassador Yu emphasized that gender should never be a barrier to human progress, citing China’s extensive efforts to champion women’s empowerment. He highlighted women’s pivotal role in economic development and reiterated China’s commitment to fostering gender equity in Nigeria, especially in light of the deepening bilateral ties following President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Read also: International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerate Action for Gender Equality
As part of its commitment, China has invested in various initiatives aimed at uplifting Nigerian women through education, vocational training, and capacity-building programs. Ambassador Yu pointed to success stories such as a Nigerian female train conductor trained by the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the rise of Nigerian women in the ICT sector, where China is eager to strengthen collaborations.
He further noted China’s robust legal framework for gender equality, comprising over 100 laws safeguarding women’s rights. Among the country’s milestones are increased life expectancy for women (averaging nearly 81 years), gender parity in education, and significant female participation in the workforce—where women make up 45% of China’s labor force and 55% of entrepreneurs in the internet sector.
Additionally, he highlighted the influential role of women in China’s policymaking, particularly in the “Two Sessions” political meetings in Beijing, where female leaders actively shape national policies.
Ambassador Yu emphasized that China’s advancements in gender equality not only strengthen its human rights framework but also contribute to global progress in equality, development, and peace. He expressed optimism that more Nigerian women would benefit from China’s high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, empowering them to achieve their aspirations and drive economic growth.
Extending warm greetings to women in Nigeria and beyond, Yu underscored the importance of the 2025 United Nations theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mrs. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, praised the resilience and achievements of women throughout history. She called for a future where education, equality, and empowerment are recognized as fundamental rights rather than privileges.
“As we honor the past, we must also commit to a future where education, equality, and empowerment are the norm,” Olowookere stated.
With China’s growing partnership in Nigeria’s gender development agenda, stakeholders anticipate a future where more women break barriers and contribute to national and global progress.
