China Women Empowerment takes centre stage in Lagos as Consul General Yan Yuqing reaffirms Beijing’s global commitment to gender equality and inclusion

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment globally, describing it as a cornerstone of sustainable development and social progress.

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Speaking at the Lagos Forum: Women’s Empowerment Dialogue—held to celebrate the successful convening of the Global Leaders Meeting on Women—Yuqing said the dialogue aligns with renewed global momentum for women’s advancement, following the 30th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women.

“Equality between men and women has become a universal consensus of the international community,” she said, noting that over 190 countries have passed nearly 1,600 laws protecting women’s rights, while 189 nations have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Highlighting China’s leadership in global women’s development, Yuqing stated that gender equality is a fundamental state policy in China and has been championed by President Xi Jinping.

She cited China’s success in lifting over 690 million women out of poverty, with women now making up more than 40 per cent of the workforce and over half of the country’s internet start-up founders.

Yuqing announced new commitments, including a US$10 million donation to U.N. Women, US$100 million from China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and 1,000 livelihood programmes for women and girls.

She also revealed plans to train 50,000 women globally and establish a Global Centre for Women’s Capacity Building to strengthen cooperation with partner countries.

“As the first female Consul General of China in Lagos, I am proud to witness the advancement of women’s causes in Nigeria firsthand,” Yuqing said, praising Nigerian organisations such as the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, International Women’s Association, and International Women’s Organisation for Charity (IWOC) for their impact.

She also spotlighted joint initiatives like Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light—which provides cataract treatments—and Together Fight Hunger, which supports low-income families, particularly women and children.

President of the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, Zhou Jun, said the forum was designed to amplify women’s voices and inspire action.

“Women can take up equal responsibilities as men and even much more. Now is the time to speak up and show the world what we can do,” she said.

Cameroon’s Consul General in Lagos, Bibi Lobe, described Lagos as an ideal setting for cross-cultural collaboration, saying platforms like this deepen cooperation between Nigerian and Cameroonian women.

Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, reaffirmed the state’s shared vision with global partners on inclusive growth.

“The dialogue serves as a testament to our collective commitment to empowering women and strengthening collaboration,” she said.

Similarly, Olufunke Oduwole, 68th President of the International Women Society (IWS), urged women to unite and speak with one voice.

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“All women need empowerment. This forum drives home the message that unity and collaboration are key to overcoming the challenges we face,” she concluded.