Chinese Ambassador to Dominica Chu Maoming Attends the Exceptional Women Award

H.E. Chu Maoming, Chinese Ambassador to Dominica attended the Exceptional Women Award on March 7 and delivered a speech to highlight the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the 4th World Conference on Women. Full text of the speech:

Her Excellency, Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Mr. Burton
Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, Acting Prime Minister 
Hon. Cassanni Laville, Minister of Health, Wellness and Social Services
Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services
Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, Minister of Housing and Urban Development and our Featured Speaker
Other Ministers of Government and members of Cabinet
Dr. Laura Esprit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services
Mrs. Barbara Dailey, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy
Heads of Department and other staff of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services
Distinguished awardees
My fellow Chinese
Other invited Guests
Friends from media
Ladies and gentlemen,  

Good morning!

First of all, let me extend my warmest congratulations to all winners of the Exceptional Women Awards and Special Recognition Awards! Your brilliant accomplishments really make the community, the country and the world a better place to live in. Today, the gentle breeze of Roseau and the warm sunshine of the Caribbean Sea feel especially soothing as we gather to celebrate the brilliant day that belongs to women around the world. I see present here today are President Burton, the first female Kalinago President, female ministers, PSs, officials, and women with extraordinary achievements in different sectors. At this moment, I am reminded of the Chinese saying, "Women hold up half the sky." It is exactly true here in Dominica. And I know there's also an English saying, "A woman is like a tea bag, you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." See? Despite the oceans and mountains that separate us, the recognition of women's value remains a shared understanding across cultures.

This year holds special significance as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted during the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. The Beijing Declaration made a resounding statement to the world: "Women's rights are human rights," which not only laid a solid foundation for the advancement of women's status globally but also provided clear guidance for countries in promoting gender equality and empowering women through technology. Build on this, China is glad to hold the Global Summit of Women late this year. Thirty years ago, Beijing became a witness to the world's commitment to women's equality as countries united in a powerful call to "advance women's progress through action." Thirty years later, representatives will once again gather in Beijing to discuss the future of women's development globally. We look forward to seeing more women shine and turn their dreams into reality. 

I believe the creators of the Beijing Declaration would likely be proud thirty years ago if they see how far we've come and how many great efforts we've made for the course of women empowerment. Here in Dominica, I have witnessed the positive impacts of women's contributions across all facets of society. Women hold 37.5% of the seats in Dominica's parliament, reflecting a substantial increase in female political participation. Your country has implemented laws addressing domestic violence, prohibiting gender discrimination in employment, and safeguarding pregnant workers from dismissal. Additionally, the Dominican government has focused on economic empowerment through skills training, information sharing, and increased access to credit for women, enhancing their participation in economic development and public life. These accomplishments underscore Dominica's commitment to fostering an environment where women are empowered to contribute significantly to the nation's social, economic, and political landscapes. 

China, as the proud signatory of this historic Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, also stands firmly behind its call for the advancement of women's rights, recognizing that the empowerment of women is essential for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity. My president Xi Jinping attaches great importance to women's development and stressed on multiple occasions women's irreplaceable role in fully building China into a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization. Today, Chinese women are conducting cell experiments on space stations, using quantum computers to decode genetic codes, and piloting domestically-made jumbo jets across the skies. Astronaut Wang Yaping has even taught a "Space Classroom" from orbit, while rural school principal Zhang Guimei has helped 1,800 girls get out of the mountains and pursue better education in big cities. From improving access to education and healthcare to increasing women's participation in the workforce and political representation, these stories in different countries all speak to one powerful truth: when women are given equal opportunities, they can transform the world. 

This transcendent, borderless perspective makes the Chinese people sincerely feel that all of humanity is one family, and the global cause of women's development requires the collective effort of all. This is why China has always been actively involved in global women's initiatives. We support the work of UN Women, partnered with UNESCO to establish the Education for Girls and Women Award, carried out 100 "Maternal and Child Health Projects" in developing countries, and trained over 200,000 women from more than 180 countries and regions. In Africa, we've built "Luban Workshops" to train tens of thousands of women in advanced technology and skills. And I think there will be a Luban Workshop in the Goodwill Secondary School for vocational training. Behind these efforts lies the global impact of the spirit of the Beijing Declaration. Looking ahead to the next 30 years, we believe that through everyone's continued dedication and cooperation, gender equality and women's empowerment will make even greater strides. More and more women will break through life's boundaries, achieve full development, and contribute even more to the advancement of women's status worldwide and the progress of humanity as a whole.

Dear ladies, also gentlemen,

When we talk about women's rights, we're really talking about the very essence of human civilization-just as Caribbean music can't do without the clear sound of the steel pan, or Chinese calligraphy without the graceful stroke of the brush, a truly vibrant society can't thrive without the full involvement of women. Let's work together to create a world where, when a girl is born, no one sighs over her gender, but instead celebrates the fact that the world has gained another change-maker!

Happy International Women's Day!

Thank you!

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