Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: Jiayou! Jiayou, China!
By Liu Yang
01:54

In the midst of the global outbreak of COVID-19, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under Secretary-General and executive director of UN Women, delivered a message to the women in China and in the world on March 8, International Women's Day.

"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," she said.

According to data from the National Health Commission of China, there are 42,000 medics are working in the epicenter of the epidemic, among whom 28,000 are women, accounting for two-thirds of the team. The All-China Women's Federation recently pointed out that it will add a psychological service hotline to the existing 12338 rights protection hotline and invite psychological counselors to answer the hotline and provide psychological crisis intervention group counseling for medical personnel.

Below is the full Message from Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka:

"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!"