Shona Proverbs Highlight Women’s Empowerment at Lantern Festival Reception in Harare

Shona proverbs took centre stage at a vibrant reception marking the Lantern Festival and International Women’s Day in Harare, as Zimbabwe and China reaffirmed cultural solidarity and the importance of women’s empowerment. The event, held at the Chinese embassy, celebrated shared wisdom and strengthened people-to-people ties between the two nations. Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Monica Mutsvangwa delivered a keynote address emphasizing the need for gender-responsive spaces and robust support systems for women-led enterprises. Guests were treated to cultural performances and interactive demonstrations, combining traditional Chinese arts with Zimbabwean heritage. The gathering highlighted the enduring relevance of Shona proverbs such as Musha mukadzi, Rume rimwe harikombi churu, and the Ubuntu philosophy Munhu munhu nekuda kwevanhu, reflecting values of community, family, and shared responsibility.

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding and his spouse, Lyu Renhong, hosted the reception, using the occasion to celebrate women’s contributions in politics, business, education, health, and culture. Zhou quoted President Xi Jinping, noting that “every woman is a star” and highlighting the indispensable role of women in advancing human civilisation. He praised Zimbabwean women for strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to the social and economic development of their country. The ambassador also provided details on China’s investments in Zimbabwe, noting that over 1,000 Chinese enterprises were registered locally in the past three years, with planned investments exceeding US$5 billion. Bilateral trade reached US$4.4 billion in 2025, supporting over one million jobs, nearly half of which are reportedly held by women, illustrating the tangible impact of women’s participation in economic development.

Beyond economic figures, Zhou highlighted social impact initiatives that underscore China’s support for Zimbabwean communities, including maternal health programmes following Cyclone Idai, the “Bright Journey” cataract programme, and training opportunities for approximately 6,000 Zimbabwean professionals in China over the past decade. He emphasized the importance of recognising women across all sectors, noting that their dedication contributes to Zimbabwe’s path to modernisation while strengthening the friendship between the two nations. The reception emphasized cultural exchange as a foundation for collaboration, with lanterns symbolically lighting the embassy gardens to represent hope, enlightenment, and the power of collective effort.

Minister Mutsvangwa framed the Lantern Festival as a metaphor for women’s leadership, asserting that light illuminates the path, hope inspires action, and women empower communities. She echoed Madame Lyu Renhong’s sentiment that lifting women strengthens families, communities, and nations, ultimately creating a more just and hopeful world. The event featured performances of traditional Chinese music and dance, calligraphy, paper cutting, dumpling and tangyuan making, tea art demonstrations, and a showcase of both Chinese and Zimbabwean attire. Zimbabwean artist Fusion 5 Mangwiro performed the Mandarin song My Good Brother, symbolising artistic collaboration and cultural dialogue between the two countries. The reception also drew prominent figures including Thokozile Chitepo, Fay Chung, Members of Parliament, and senators, reinforcing the national significance of the occasion.

The event highlighted the shared values embedded in Shona and Chinese traditions, reminding attendees that cultural wisdom and unity can strengthen nations. Madame Lyu Renhong reflected on the proverb Musha mukadzi, stressing that women are leaders, innovators, and custodians of culture, whose empowerment fortifies the foundations of society. Ambassador Zhou reinforced this message, quoting the proverb Rume rimwe harikombi churu to underscore the importance of collective effort and mutual support. The Lantern Festival reception formed part of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, promoting grassroots diplomacy and cultural understanding beyond formal agreements. The celebration demonstrated that through shared wisdom, artistic collaboration, and the empowerment of women, Zimbabwe and China continue to deepen their cultural and social bonds for the benefit of both nations.