Shona proverbs took centre stage at a vibrant reception marking the Lantern Festival and International Women’s Day, as Zimbabwe and China reaffirmed cultural solidarity and women’s empowerment through shared wisdom and people-to-people ties.
Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa delivered a keynote address underscoring the need for gender-responsive spaces and stronger support systems for women-led enterprises.
The event was hosted by Chinese ambassador Zhou Ding and his spouse, Lyu Renhong, at the Chinese embassy in Harare on Friday last week.
Rooted in cultural exchange, the gathering echoed enduring Shona wisdom: Musha mukadzi; Rume rimwe harikombi churu; and the Ubuntu philosophy Munhu munhu nekuda kwevanhu .
The proverbs drew applause as speakers highlighted the enduring ties between Zimbabwe and China, reinforced by strong family and community values.
Quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zhou said: “Every woman is a star.” He added that women play “an indispensable role in advancing human civilisation,” praising Zimbabwean women across politics, business, education and health for strengthening bilateral relations.
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Zhou disclosed that China has been Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign direct investment for a number of years, with more than 1 000 Chinese enterprises registered locally in the past three years and planned investment exceeding US$5 billion.
Bilateral trade, he said, reached US$4,4 billion in 2025, supporting over one million jobs, nearly half reportedly held by women.
Beyond the figures, Zhou highlighted social impact initiatives, including maternal health support following Cyclone Idai, the “Bright Journey” cataract programme, and training opportunities for approximately 6 000 Zimbabwean professionals in China over the past decade.
Last October, Xi emphasised at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women that women play an indispensable role in advancing human civilisation. As he put it, "Every woman is a star". Among these stars, we are truly delighted to have with us today representatives of women from various sectors — including politics, business, education, art, healthcare and the philanthropic community — whose dedication continues to brighten Zimbabwe’s path to modernisation and strengthen the bond of friendship between our two nations,” Zhou said.
Mutsvangwa framed the Lantern Festival as a metaphor for women’s leadership.
“Light illuminates the path, hope inspires action and women empower communities,” she said, calling for inclusive economic participation and sustained empowerment policies.
“I agree with Madame Lyu Renhong that when we lift women, we uplift families. When we uplift families, we strengthen communities. When we strengthen communities, we build nations. And when nations flourish, the world becomes brighter, more just and full of hope.”
Cultural performances animated the evening, featuring traditional Chinese music and dance, calligraphy, paper cutting, dumpling and tangyuan making, tea art demonstrations, and a showcase of Chinese and Zimbabwean attire. Zimbabwean artist Fusion 5 Mangwiro performed the Mandarin song My Good Brother, symbolising artistic exchange.
Other guests included Thokozile Chitepo (former permanent secretary) and Fay Chung, alongside several Members of Parliament and senators.
Madame Lyu Renhong reinforced the cultural resonance between the two nations, quoting the Shona proverb Musha mukadzi.
“These simple yet profound words reveal that women are not only caregivers; they are leaders, innovators and custodians of culture. When women flourish, the foundation of society becomes stronger.”
The reception formed part of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, emphasising grassroots diplomacy beyond formal agreements. As lanterns symbolically lit the embassy gardens, speakers returned to a shared truth carried in both Shona and Chinese traditions: unity strengthens nations.
“A single tree cannot form a forest,” Zhou reminded guests, echoing the proverb Rume rimwe harikombi churu.