Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE and China continue to consolidate their long-standing bilateral relations through cultural exchange and a shared vision for gender equality, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Speaking at a colourful event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Harare yesterday to celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival and International Women’s Day, Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, said the two occasions symbolised a shared commitment to hope and progress.
She said while the two nations are geographically distant, they are bound by common values.
“China and Zimbabwe, though separated by geography, our cultures converge in the belief that celebrating life, nurturing connections, and lifting one another is what strengthens societies,” she said.
The minister likened the significance of the Chinese Lantern Festival — which marks the first full moon of the lunar year — to the resilience and impact of women in society.
“To me, lanterns are more than decorations; they are symbols. They remind us that even in the darkness, light can shine.
“Just as lanterns lift into the sky, carrying light and hope beyond the darkness, women who step confidently into their power illuminate the path for their families, communities, and nations.”
Turning to the International Women’s Day, which is commemorated annually on March 8, Minister Mutsvangwa revealed that her Ministry will hold the national event to mark the day on March 4, in Mashonaland Central.
She added:
“When we lift women, we uplift families. When we uplift families, we strengthen communities. When we strengthen communities, we build nations. And when nations flourish, the world becomes brighter, more just, and full of hope.”
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said China stands ready to share its experience and support Zimbabwe in advancing women’s development and empowerment, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.
“Underpinning all of this is China’s unwavering commitment to women’s development — a commitment that lies at the heart of our vision of a Healthy China and a Healthy World.
“In China, women account for more than 40 percent of the workforce, over half of Internet start-up founders, and more than 60 percent of Olympic medallists in the past four Summer Games. Chinese women actively participate in state and social governance,” he said.
Madame Lyu Renhong, the Ambassador’s wife, said as co-operation between Zimbabwe and China continues to grow and deepen, women will remain central to this journey.
“China and Zimbabwe are both civilisations with rich traditions that value family, unity, and collective strength.
“In both of our cultures, harmony within the family is the foundation of harmony in society.”
The Lantern festival was also held to mark the end of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, which is celebrated for two weeks.
Peter Tanyanyiwa