By Chikondi Chimala, in Beijing, China

Beijing, September 6, Mana: First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera Thursday morning attended a meeting on China-Africa women’s education at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing as part of the meetings of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

During the meeting, Madam Chakwera and the other African spouses reaffirmed their commitment to women's education and empowerment by publicly appending their signatures to a board themed “China-Africa join hands for women’s empowerment through education.”

Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivered the keynote speech during the meeting that was attended by over 20 spouses of African leaders, including Madam Chakwera, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Said First Lady Peng Liyuan: “China and Africa belong to a community with a shared future. Women from China and Africa through their hard work, wisdom and dedication, have written a remarkable chapter of unity, cooperation and progress and must ensure that they continue on that path to remain key influencers in their spheres of operation.”

“Despite the long distance between us, China and Africa have always been friends and reliable partners.”

She noted that Chinese and African women, through their hard work, wisdom and dedication, have written a remarkable chapter of unity, cooperation and progress declaring that in advancing women's education and moving toward a brighter future, China and Africa are aligned in their goals.

First Lady Peng Liyuan, who is also a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education said the meeting was of great significance as knowledge and education can open great paths for many African women.

Other speakers during the meeting included, Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of Senegal, Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya, wife of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Many participants delivered speeches and thanked the Chinese host for their outstanding contributions to promote education of African girls and women and praised China's long-standing support and assistance in related fields.

The spouses were treated to great performances from children's singing and a Peking Opera and visited exhibits showcasing China's traditional culture and achievements in women's education.