The International Women's Exchange on the Family & Coordinated Development of Women in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area opened in Foshan on November 22, 2025. The event presented stories of traditional and contemporary Chinese family values, allowing women from around the world to connect with China's family heritage and discuss women's development.
Around 300 Chinese and foreign guests gathered to share insights and experiences under the theme "Joining Hands for a Happy Home and a Bright Future."
The event vividly presented three women's stories of exemplary family traditions through various artistic forms: Mencius's Mother, Yue Fei's Mother, and Madam Xian. Mencius's Mother moved three times to provide her son with a good environment, demonstrating the power of family and education. Yue Fei's Mother tattooed "Serve the Country with Loyalty" on her son, inspiring his lifelong patriotism. Madam Xian led local people with wisdom and courage, strengthening family and community values. They showcased China's family culture, promoting the ideals of a civilized, harmonious, and inclusive society.
Svetlana Orlova, President of the Russian Women's Council of the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development (CRFCPD) and Auditor of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, was moved by the shared family values between China and Russia. She said that although it was her first time visiting Foshan, she found the city charm and hospitality and noted its rapid development and advanced infrastructure.
At the city's intangible cultural heritage exhibition, visitors showed great interest in traditional woodblock New Year prints, paper cuttings, Shiwan ceramics, lanterns, and Xiangyun silk.
The conference also included a special site tour, organizing foreign guests to visit the global technology enterprise Midea Group and the Guangdong Industrial Design Park.
"It was very moving for me to see that Foshan truly brings together both innovation and this rich culture of family heritage and tradition, and how these innovations are helping people of all ages create a better life," said Nadia Rasheed, Representative of UNFPA to China and Country Director to Mongolia. She was also pleased to see women playing important roles in leadership positions across many enterprises.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Photo | Foshan News Media Center
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
