On the afternoon of March 8, 2021, in commemoration of the UN "Women's Rights and Peace Day", the Beijing Peace Garden International Women's Festival, sponsored by China World Peace Foundation, Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation and Turkmenistan Embassy in China, was solemnly held in Beijing Peace Garden Museum community. The theme of this activity is "Peace, Happiness, Health --- Women's Power in the Cultural Interaction of Fighting the Epidemic". Dignitaries, envoys, government officials, heads of business associations, people from all walks of life and youth representatives from more than 20 countries participated in this event.
At the beginning of 2021 spring, delegates planted friendship trees at the "Silk Roads Ambassador Village" to call for peace. In the theme of "Peace, Happiness, Health --- Women's Power in the Cultural Interaction of Fighting the Epidemic", women’s impact of anti-epidemic, peace and public welfare, technological innovation, literature and art, family education, beauty and health were mentioned and discussed during the event which was broadcasting globally live vie UNESCO website. According to incomplete statistics, there were more than 10,000 people watching the celebration at the same time.
The participants launched and signed the proposal of “Safeguarding Women's Rights & Interests , Inspiring Women's Power & Strength”. Taking "Peace+1" as a path, women should be given more tolerance and motivation for development in the construction of “Silk Roads”. During the cultural interactions, women should be granted power and their wisdom&influence should be brought into full play in the sustainable development of the world in order to build a harmonious and beautiful new world.
Ms.Gabriela Ramos, assistant director general of UNESCO, also delivered a video speech. She said that in view of the impact of COVID-19 on women, it was timely and important to hold the Beijing Peace Garden International Women's Festival at this time. Now, women are fighting on the front line of global anti-epidemic. Women account for 70% of global health workers. Women also play a key role in other jobs related to people's livelihood. We need to change our ideas, emphasize gender perspective in epidemic recovery measures, promote gender equality in legal and social projects, and enhance social cohesion.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Li Ruohong, chairman of China World Peace Foundation and President of Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation , said that in the past year of fighting against the global epidemic, we have clearly realized that due to different family structures, educational backgrounds and social experience of women, both traditional economy and scientific and technological civilization cannot do without women's strength, professional women are more needed in playing unique roles in global governance.
Ms.Sujata Koirala, Nepal's former deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister, said in a video speech that when poverty and gender inequality are combined, it will lead to a serious failure of any development plan. Therefore, we must strive to eliminate all discrimination against women. The improvement of women's autonomy and their political, social, economic and health status is essential for the advancement of women's status and economic independence. Emphasis should be placed on improving women's skills and knowledge according to their abilities.
Ms. Tania S. y. Romualdo, Cape Verde's Ambassador to China, said that in many parts of the world, being born a woman is still a curse, not a blessing. It's very important to celebrate this day as a reminder to the world. In fact, women's rights are human rights. Gender equality is not a boon to women, but the common interests of men and boys, women and girls, and mankind. Each of us can and must be involved. We need to stand up, speak up and work together.
Ms.Shazia Amjad, Principal of the International School of the Pakistani Embassy in China, first shared a poem and said that when we celebrate the achievements of economic development and the fight against the epidemic, we need to realize that all this will not happen without the contribution of women, and how valuable it is to maintain their peace, happiness and health. Women all over the world want and deserve an equal future free from stigma, stereotypes and violence, a sustainable, peaceful future with equal rights and opportunities for all.
Mrs. Durdeyev, wife of Ambassador of Turkmenistan Embassy in China, said that she has been in China for two years, and she has found that Chinese women are not only beautiful, but also seem to have strong inner strength and wisdom. Women in Turkmenistan were and are widely represented in government institutions and enjoy the highest level of respect at home. Women can receive up to three years of support during maternity leave, including retaining their jobs and financial support.
Ms.Zhao Liying, Consul General of China in Egypt, said that as a Chinese female diplomat working in Egypt, she witnessed the efforts and achievements of the governments of China and Egypt in improving women's status, especially both countries' important and unique strength in fighting against COVID-19. We will continue to encourage women of the two countries to cooperate closely, continuously improve women's status, maintain the traditional friendship between the two countries, and realize the common aspiration of the two peoples for a better tomorrow.
Dr. Li Ruohong and President Zhao Wenzhi presented the International Women's Peace Garden Memorial Award to those outstanding women who have contributed to the cause of women's cause in the world,Dr. Li also awarded the "Peace Ambassador" medal to Cambodian Ambassador to China who has worked in China over more than 10 years.
Mr.Su Dabao, the founder of China's sand painting and the cultural ambassador of Silk Road, performed his two works of sand painting by the name of “Gathering at Silk Roads” and “To Beautiful You” on the spot. Subsequently, the participants also visited the joint exhibition of Congo painter Mr. Aconga and Chinese artist Mr.Qu Zhi at Peace Garden Museum. The theme of this painting is to depict the beauty and vitality of women, flowers and landscapes. The two painters each donated one painting to Peace Garden Museum.
It is reported that the event has been supported by BEIJING PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION FOR FRIENDSHIP WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES, BEIJING NGO NETWORK FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES, Beijing FEDERATION OF RETURNED OVERSEAS CHINESE, Diplomatic Corps, the League of Arab States and ASEAN representative offices in China, CAMBODIA, the United Kingdom, Cape Verde, Maldives, Sao Tome and Principe, Zambia, Lebanon and Jamaica Embassies, Pakistan International School, China Net, World Culture&Art Cooperation Organization, French Designers Association and World Cultural Name Card Organizing Committee.
