New group created to inform people of the realities of life in the continent

African women in Beijing, China have formed an association to assist needy communities and students in Africa, as well as to educate the public and help one another.

The association aims at informing people about the cultures and realities of the African continent through movies, books, art exhibitions, dinners, sporting activities and a charities.

At a recent African Women's Night organized by the Beijing association, women from various African counties showcased the beauty of the African woman with their traditional costumes and dances as they mounted the rostrum country by country.

Addressing the gathering, the president of the association, Tehia Nee Tano Siolonils, encouraged African women to rise up and shine wherever they found themselves on the globe.

"We cannot afford to be left behind when women all over the world are struggling to rub shoulders with their male counterparts," she said.

She said the association would help narrow the social and cultural gaps between African countries and China.

Gabon's ambassador to China, Jean-Robert Goulongana, patron of the association, asked members to create a space for sharing and solidarity among African women living in Beijing.

He also asked them to promote the richness of Africa's heritage to their Chinese friends and to encourage them to visit the continent to boost tourism.

According to Goulongana, the association has demonstrated African women's aptitude to rise up to many challenges.

He urged them to create friendship with Chinese women's groups to enable them learn from their experiences.

For China Daily

(China Daily Africa Weekly 09/12/2014 page3)