China has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and stronger international cultural ties, using this year’s Lantern Festival celebrations as an opportunity to highlight women’s empowerment and social progress. The message was delivered during the China-Nigeria Women’s Carnival held in Abuja, where cultural exchange and development conversations took centre stage.
Speaking at the event, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, stressed the importance of women in building stable families and driving social growth. He described women as the emotional and social foundation of communities, adding that their contributions remain central to national development. According to him, progress in society is closely tied to how well women are supported, educated, and empowered to succeed in different sectors.
The ambassador also shared statistics reflecting China’s progress in improving women’s living standards. By 2025, he said, about 690 million women had moved into what he described as moderately prosperous living conditions. He also noted a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates, which had dropped by nearly 80 percent over the years. Women now make up more than 40 percent of China’s workforce and account for over half of entrepreneurs operating in the country’s internet business sector. These achievements, he said, demonstrate the important role women have played in supporting China’s rapid economic and social transformation.
He further highlighted the growing relationship between China and Nigeria, noting that 2026 marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between both nations. The year has also been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a move aimed at strengthening cooperation through cultural, educational, and economic partnerships.
Speaking at the carnival, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mukhtar YanaIe Muhammad, described women as vital to preserving cultural traditions while also driving modern innovation. He used the symbolism of lanterns lighting the night sky to describe the role women play in guiding social and economic progress. He said women continue to shine through creativity, unity, and community leadership.
The ministry also pledged to introduce stronger policies that would promote cultural collaboration, support women’s participation in the digital economy, and expand tourism partnerships between China and Nigeria. Officials expressed hope that such initiatives would deepen mutual understanding while creating more opportunities for women across both countries.
