(The NEWS, March 9th, 2008) Besides commemorating International Women's Day in various other ways of a more serious nature, women all over the world also celebrate by expressing their pride in the culture of their country, with dance and music being part of the celebrations. So it was at the embassy of China.

To celebrate the 98th International Women's Day, Dr Jiang Yili, spouse of the ambassador ofChina hosted a colourful, multi-cultural event, which was attended by Pakistani women from many walks of life, wives of diplomats and a few lucky gents! Mrs Khadijah Soomro, wife of the interim Prime Minister was the guest of honour.

Welcoming the gathering and wishing them a ' happy women's day, Dr Jiang spoke of its significance and the role women play in development and to bring peace and prosperity to their nations. She gave details of women's standing in the Chinese government setup - 12 incumbent vice premiers and vice presidents; more than 20 ministers and the same number of ambassadors and counsel generals. She drew a smile from everybody present when she said that in the Chinese family circle, 'a woman is the true boss.'

Speaking proudly of the coming Olympic Games to be held inBeijing, she said Chinese women will prove their excellence with outstanding achievements and win the respect of the world. She concluded by quoting President Hu Jintao that Pakistan and China are good neighbours, dear friends, close partners, brothers and sisters.

Mrs Soomro thanked her hostess for inviting her to this important celebration and said while women had achieved a lot there was still a long way to go especially for the disenfranchised. "While we celebrate the empowerment of women, we must commit ourselves to helping those who remain dispossessed." Both ladies thanked the PFOWA ladies and its president Sadia Akram for helping to arrange and participate in the programme before exchanging gifts to mark the occasion.

The Chinese try and excel in whatever they do and cultural shows are no exception - we know that from past experience! The cultural presentation featured a display of traditional Chinese Cheong-sam, the form fitting dress which is so typical of the country. It was followed with Beijing Opera - an excerpt from One Night in Beijing; traditional and modern dances including the Fan dance, Happy Time dance, Sri Lankan style and a solo Dai-ethnic performance, while an aerobic sequence had also been incorporated into the programme. Two little girls stole the hearts of the audience as they joyfully danced to a modern pop tune, receiving an appreciative round of applause. The young ladies of PWOWA performed a Sufi dance from Tharpakar and a 'luddi', both well choreographed, the colourful costumes receiving admiring comment from expatriates as did the music with its distinctive rhythm.

While the Chinese presentation was highly appreciated by the guests - the two young compere's Chan Fang and Doug Meng and the other members of the embassy giving of their best - most of the Pakistani women were impressed by the fact that Dr Jiang Yili herself took part in a number of sequences - a good example to set and motivate other ladies. Lunch was served which gave the ladies time to interact, discuss the day and the event, as well as enjoy Chinese cuisine, which most Pakistanis refer to as their favourite after their own.