By Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-04-09 03:00:00
In 2018, Development Reimagined was founded by the author who reflected on the significant role of African and Chinese women in shaping the Africa-China relationship, despite the dominance of men in politics. The legacy of these women was yet to be fully cemented by influencing the outcomes of the relationship. Fast forward six years, with African and Chinese women making up over 1 billion of the world’s population, there has been some improvement in the role and status of women in the Africa-China relationship, but there is still a long way to go to achieve tangible impact for women.
Over the past six years, the number of influential women working in the Africa-China field has grown and evolved. Women like Irene Yuan Sun, Lina Getatchew Ayenew, Deborah Brautigam, Helen Hai, and many others have made significant contributions. Women in diplomacy have also made their mark, with women ambassadors representing various African countries in China and notable figures in international organizations like UNICEF and UNAIDS.
In trade and industry, women like Lu Cuifeng, Sandrine Nduwimana, and Zahra Baitie have played crucial roles in promoting African products in China, supporting Chinese investments in Africa, and facilitating trade relations between the two continents. Women in various sectors have been working tirelessly to strengthen Africa-China ties, including those in the author’s firm who have collaborated with African women leaders, ministers, and entrepreneurs to foster development and create opportunities in China.
While progress has been made in recognizing the women’s development agenda in forums like FOCAC, there is still a need for mainstreaming and prioritizing women in policy tools and investment priorities. Many women in the field still struggle to be acknowledged and promoted, facing challenges in gaining recognition and visibility in key policy discussions and media coverage.
The upcoming FOCAC in 2024 presents an important opportunity to further advance the role of women in Africa-China relations, with a focus on industrialization, agriculture, talent development, and green growth. Women play a vital role in these areas, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development. There is still work to be done to ensure more women are actively shaping and implementing Africa-China relations, but there is hope for continued progress in the years to come.
