CHINA’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Li Ming, has paid a rare tribute to Chung Wah School and its female staff, which accounts for more 80 percent of the staffing population.
Ambassador Li also paid tribute to women in Solomon Islands and China in a speech marking the International Women’s Day at the Chung Wah School in Chinatown on Friday.
“It’s my pleasure to celebrate with you the International Women’s Day at Chung Wah School. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands, I would like to extend warm congratulations to women from both China and Solomon Islands.
“I also want to thank Chung Wah School for your hard work in preparing this wonderful activity.
“As one of the most historical schools in Solomon Islands, Chung Wah School has cultivated numerous talents for Solomon Islands. Today we are privileged to have female teachers, who impressively account for over 80 per cent of the faculty.
“You have made great contributions to the country’s education. Hereby, I pay you high tribute. And in Chung Wah School, girls take up nearly half of the students’ (population). I wish you success in the future!
He also paid tribute to women in China.
“In China, we say “women hold up half the sky”. This is also true in Solomon Islands. I’ve been here for over two years, and I’m impressed by the women of Solomon Islands for their hard work, their love for the family and their passion and dedication to build a safe and prosperous society. They are indeed holding up half the sky,” he said.
He said women’s development has been an important part of Chinese path to modernisation. Since the founding of PRC, especially during the past four decades of reform and opening up, the political and economic status, educational level and social security coverage of Chinese women have been improved substantially,” he said.
Friday’s event was attended by the wife of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Emmy.
Minister of Women, Youth Children and Family Affairs, Freda Rotutafi Rangirei, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Lanelle Olandrea Tanangada, Member of Parliament (MP) for East Makira, Lilian Maefai and MP for North East Guadalcanal, Ethel Lency Vokia, were all in attendance,
Chung Wah School Principal, Eunice Tahuniara, President of Honiara Market Vendor’s Association, Moreen Sariki and the General Secretary of National Council of Women, Janet Tuhaika, attended the ceremony.
Ambassador Li’s full speech appears in the Centre Spread today.
The Ambassador also spoke of the success of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held last year.
“It included the woman development as a crucial part of the blueprint for the development of the nation. Realizing gender equality for women rights and interests is one of the important goals set by the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“China and Solomon Islands share enormous common grounds in pursuing women development.
“Today, we celebrate the woman’s day with the theme of our celebration today is “Embrace Equity, Embrace Future”.
The Chinese Embassy, he said would continue to support the facilitation of the equity and protection of rights and interest of women and girls in Solomon Islands.
“We wish to work with (the) Ministries of Women and Education and other associations in deepening cooperation in women development.”
Ambassador Li also spoke about the Pacific Games 2023 being held in November this year.
“China shares your pride and excitement. We are happy to see that the main stadium built by China has been completed 80 per cent and the running tracks have been put into use since last April.
“Every day there are women athletes practising and exercising on the state-of-the-art running tracks. Hon Prime Minister Sogavare has set a 40-gold medal goal [tally] for the Solomon Islands athletes in the game.
“I’m looking forward to the triumph from those women athletes in the PG 2023!”
By Alfred Sasako
