Greetings from International Community

At this special and crucial moment, the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), the largest women's organization in the world, has received many statements of greeting, support and encouragement from governments of foreign countries, international organizations and agencies, all of which express sympathy, sincerity and best wishes to Chinese women and the ACWF. 

Their firm support brings warmth, friendship and confidence to Chinese women and the ACWF who are making all-out efforts in the fight against the COVID-19. 

"Stay strong, Wuhan! Stay strong, China!" has been echoing around the world. We believe determination, solidarity and dedication of the international community will crush the disease and Chinese women and all women around world will have a better life and happier future.

Here are some of the messages from the governments, international organizations and agencies sent to the ACWF to honor Chinese women's fight against the epidemic and to mark the upcoming International Women's Day.

Message from Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, UN Women Executive Director

Happy International Women's Day! Today is about celebrating women's achievements and joining forces across generations, to create what we call "Generation Equality," a world where every girl and woman has equal opportunities to fulfill their potential.

On this occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, I extend my deepest admiration and respect to all the Chinese women who have played a vital role in China's response to COVID-19 outbreak. UN Women applauds the important measures taken by the Chinese government and I would like to thank all the health workers everywhere in the world. At this challenging time, we must stick together in solidarity, extend cooperation and support those who are most affected and stop the further spread of hostility, fear and stigma fueled by misinformation.

China brings special memories to many people of the world because of the Beijing Platform for Action, the most progressive blueprint for women's empowerment, everywhere. As we mark its 25th anniversary this year, I thank the government of China for their continued commitment and support. I also invite the next generation of Chinese women, girls, men and boys, to mobilize and tackle the unfinished business of gender equality together. 

Jiayou! Jiayou, China!

Message from Vladimir Norov, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Stay strong, Wuhan! Stay strong, China! The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is with you. We believe, we together, we win!

Message from Ekaterina Lakhova, President of the Women's Union of Russia 

We cherish our friendship for many years. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women. The conference was attended by many Russian women and the 12 major areas of concern identified by the conference are of great relevance.

Today, many of the issues we raised together have been improved, but many still need to be addressed.

Last year, the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) invited us to participate in the activities marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. We spoke highly of this visit and felt the changes in China's economic and social development.

We are deeply concerned about the coronavirus pneumonia in China, which we see on TV every day. But with your strong will, wisdom, patience and capacity, we are confident that you will win this battle.

I wish all dear women and sisters love and beauty, strength and family happiness, and peace and prosperity in your country.

I sincerely wish you a happy March 8th International Women's Day!

Message from Inlavanh Keobounphanh, Member of Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, President of the Lao Women's Union

The Chinese lunar New Year had just passed when misfortune struck. COVID-2019, coronavirus pneumonia epidemic hits Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Lao women cheer for China and Wuhan! We believe that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, Wuhan people will be able to pull through and return to normal life.

Message from H.E. Dr. ING Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women's Affairs of the Kingdom of Cambodia    

On the occasion of the International Women's Day, on behalf of the Minister of Women's Affairs of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I would like to express our sincere sympathy and strong support to China, Chinese people, especially Chinese women and family members of the patient affected by COVID-19.

Our Chinese sisters are not fighting alone in this battle. We are with you and support you as always! We would like to express our best wishes for rapid recovery of China and Chinese people, and we firmly believe that China is getting victory over coronavirus epidemic, and we are determined with our sisters, Chinese sisters and sisters all over the world to work for a better future for mankind, where people can live with dignity, respect, and without discrimination.

Message from INADA Tomomi, Executive Acting Secretary-General of Liberal Democratic Party of Japan

As the International Women's Day approaches, I here extend my best regards and wishes to all people of you. Last year, I visited China twice and followed a delegation of female Japanese parliamentarians to come to China again. A delegation of female Chinese entrepreneurs later paid their visit to Japan. During their stay in Japan, they also visited the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party. This year, both China and Japan are in a difficult period because of the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia. Women of all countries join hands and work together for world peace and prosperity!

Message from Minoru Harada, President of Soka Gakkai in Japan

On behalf of Soka Gakkai, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to you for the great loss caused by the spread of the new coronavirus pneumonia.

At the same time, Ikeda, the honorary President of Soka Gakkai also asked me to express sincere condolences to you on his behalf.

We have seen in news reports and other ways that the Chinese people, led by President Xi Jinping, have worked tirelessly to fight the epidemic day and night.

Just like cherry blossoms, which look so beautiful following a chilly winter, regardless how hard our situations are, if we persist in making efforts, we will finally welcome the day of having blossoms of victory. The chilly winter will be gone, and the warm spring will arrive. 

We sincerely wish the Chinese people an early victory over difficulties and a return to normal life.

Jia You, China! Jia You, Wuhan!

Message from Markus Ferber, President of Hanns-Seidel-Foundation and Member of the European Parliament 

The International Women's Day is approaching, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. As Chairman of the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to you.

During the long-term successful cooperation between the ACWF and the foundation, many projects have been launched to promote women's advancement in career, family and social status. In addition, we have conducted vocational skills training to help women get rid of poverty.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and General Secretary Xi Jinping, the ACWF plays an important role in protecting women's rights and interests as a bridge and bond between the Party and women.

The tremendous efforts made by the Chinese government to fight against the epidemic and the strong support from Germany and the international community have given me confidence in future development. I firmly believe that we will overcome the epidemic together in the foreseeable future and finally survive this crisis! I wish the ACWF can continue pouring more courage, strength and persistence into the battle against the disease and promoting women's development in the future!

Jia You, China! Jia You, Wuhan!

Message from Nicholas Rosellini, Resident Coordinator of the UN in China

2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which at the time of its signing was the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls across the globe. 

Gender equality is not only a basic human right, its achievement has enormous socio-economic ramifications. Globally, women spend on average more time on unpaid care work than men, which constrains their earning potential. Empowering women fuels thriving economies, spurring productivity and growth. 

In China, we've seen the ever-important role women have played in the fight against the recent COVID-19 outbreak as frontline doctors and nurses, leading scientists and political leaders, but are also experiencing a heightened burden as primary care providers.

Women and girls represent half of the world's population and therefore half of its potential. 

I wish you all to join me in the call to make sure all women and girls have equal opportunities to unlock their potential and to contribute their unique insights and talent to making the world a better place. 

Message from Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, Representative of UNFPA in China

On the occasion of International Women's Day, on behalf of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, I would like to extend warm greetings to Chinese women.

We honor all the women who work on the frontlines to fight against the coronavirus outbreak and save lives. Your efforts have played a key role in the survival and resilience of thousands of people, families and communities. 

The protection needs of women and girls must be at the center of response efforts. UNFPA is working closely with All-China Women's Federation and other partners to procure and distribute much needed medical and sanitary supplies to maintain the health, well-being and dignity of women and girls. 

Stay strong, China! Stay strong, Wuhan!

Message from Zamira Akbagysheva, President of the Congress of Women of Kyrgyz Republic

The Congress of Women of Kyrgyzstan wishes you a happy International Women's Day, and congratulates on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. The congress was the coordinator of the Second Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum on Women held in Kyrgyzstan. In cooperation with the Kyrgyz government, the second SCO Forum on Women was held at a high level in 2019. We are soon about to welcome another significant event, which is to set up a sewing teaching and production center in collaboration with the All-China Women's Federation.

Dear sisters, we wish you peace, good health, happiness and success, and may China be prosperous! We firmly believe that China is a country with ancient civilization and will definitely overcome the current difficulties.

Happy holiday, dear sisters! Stay strong, China!  

Message from Christine Bernabeu, President of the French Association H.E.R.A. Transcontinental

To celebrate the International Women's Day, I presented to you the earliest plum blossoms in my yard, because they symbolize hope.

I am here expressing special thanks to the female medical workers who are engaged in the battle (against the COVID-19). They followed their hearts at the critical moment and rushed to the frontline to give medical care to patients. I want to pay tribute to them, the heroines of the new era!

I pay tribute to the courage of all members of the women's federations, at all levels. Thanks to your dedication, your experience, and the discipline you have shown that you have successfully brought the epidemic under control.

For us, we are working for meeting in the future. We work hard for these future projects, and we also fight against the impact this disease has on each of us.

Ladies, please don't forget that you have two kinds of power that enable human beings to survive. They are called hope and experience.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Message from Sonia Khaled, spouse of the Tunisian Ambassador to China and President of the Arab Ambassadors' Spouses' Group, Beijing-China  

It's great pleasure and honor that you're celebrating the upcoming International Women's Day on 8th of March, which is coinciding this year with celebrating two major events which are the 5th anniversary of the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment and the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. I take this opportunity to convey to the President of the All-China Women's Federation and to the members of the federation on my own name and on behalf of Arab Ambassadors' Spouses' Group our sincere congratulation and best wishes for more success, progress and happiness to all Chinese women. And to express our deep admiration to the stature that they are showing at all levels of the society. Furthermore, we would like as a group to express our admiration of effective measures that have been taken by the Chinese authorities in a very transparent manner to tackle the spread of the virus. We're confident that China will overcome shortly the spread of the novel coronavirus epidemic. Please accept, dear leaders and members of the All-China Women's Federation, our highest esteem and sincere friendship. 

Message from Commonwealth Society of Beijing 

We wish all the women in the world, especially the women in China and the women of the All-China Women's Federation a happy International Women's Day! 

Unfortunately for us in China, the virus is keeping us away from each other, but we are together in spirit. Our hearts are with you, the Chinese women, and wish you a happy International Women's Day! 

Stay strong, China! Stay strong, Wuhan!

Stay strong, CSB and stay strong, All-China Women's Federation!

Message from the All Africa Chinese Women's Association

At this critical moment in our nation's fight against the epidemic, we are abroad, but our hearts are always concerned about the epidemic at home.

The sisters of the All Africa Chinese Women's Association are concerned every day about the development of the epidemic, but also moved by the courage of the medical staff, soldiers and civil servants fighting on the front lines.

We support every one of our brothers and sisters in the fight against and prevention of the epidemic, as well as the efforts to organize more and more donations of defense materials.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, we would like to extend warm greetings to Chinese women, and wish all a happy holiday and good health. 

Difficulties are followed by prosperity, and after the storm is a rainbow; let us work together to overcome the epidemic and create a better and healthier home.

We wish women and our sisters across the country a happy holiday!

Stay strong Wuhan! Stay strong, China!  

Message from Guan Jie, President of Catalonia Association of Chinese Women in Spain

On behalf of the Association of Chinese Women in Catalonia, I would like to greet Chinese sisters at home and abroad to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, and the upcoming International Women's Day.

After the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia in 2020, the association quickly entered the struggle against the epidemic under the guidance of the Chinese Consulate General in Barcelona, Spain, and the coordination of the All-China Women’s Federation. We organized fund-raising activities, and purchased medical protective supplies for related hospitals in Wuhan, which supported the epidemic prevention and control work in the city. It reflects the emotions of overseas Chinese women who care about their motherland and hometown.

Winter has passed, and spring breeze blows across the nation. When congratulating the global Chinese sisters on a happy holiday, the association also sends best wishes to the frontline medical workers who are fighting against the epidemic day and night. 

We firmly believe that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government as well as the joint efforts of the people across the country, the fight against the virus will surely achieve a comprehensive victory. At the same time, we also firmly believe that the All-China Women's Federation will continue to play a core leading role and promote the Chinese sisters worldwide to achieve greater results in the fight against the epidemic.

Message from the Associations Union of Chinese Women in the Netherlands and the Association of Chinese Women in the Rotterdam

Members from the Associations Union of Chinese Women in the Netherlands and the Association of Chinese Women in the Rotterdam salute all medical personnel and those working at the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 epidemic. Stay strong, Wuhan! Stay strong, China! 

(Women of China)