China Women’s Film Festival earns praise from Nigeria’s government and lawmakers for promoting women’s creativity, empowerment, and cultural exchange
China Women’s Film Festival has received warm commendations from the Federal Government and the House of Representatives for promoting women’s creativity, empowerment, and cultural diplomacy in Nigeria.
At the festival’s opening ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Chairman, House Committee on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Gabriel Zock, applauded the Chinese Government for organising what they described as a “distinguished platform celebrating resilience and storytelling.”
Represented by her Special Assistant on Creative Economy, Rukkayah Mohammed, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the event underscored the power of film to inspire change and strengthen ties between both nations.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for this initiative, which continues to deepen friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual respect between our countries,” she said.
The minister highlighted that the festival coincided with global reflections on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework on gender equality.
She noted that the festival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth and women’s empowerment.
Through programmes under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention, she said, the Ministry of Women Affairs is advancing initiatives to empower women, protect children, and improve the welfare of vulnerable groups.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that Nigeria stands to gain from China’s experience in leveraging culture and technology for national development, stressing that creative partnerships could further strengthen women-led entrepreneurship and digital storytelling.
Zock, on his part, commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for fostering creative exchange, describing the festival as “a bridge linking artistic communities and promoting global understanding.”
He said the collaboration between both nations symbolises shared values of creativity, equality, and sustainable development through culture.
In his remarks, Zhou Hongyou, representing the Chinese Embassy, lauded women’s indispensable role in society and noted China’s progress in improving gender equality.
“Chinese women have played an irreplaceable role in transforming our nation into a global powerhouse,” he said.
The Cultural Counsellor of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, expressed hope that the event would enable Nigerians to appreciate the resilience and strength of Chinese women and find shared inspiration in their stories.
The China Women’s Film Festival continues in Abuja, showcasing powerful films that celebrate women’s voices, creativity, and global solidarity.
Culture4 years ago
