Chen Siqi

vankochensq@163.com

OVER 80 women from more than 10 countries gathered at the Shenzhen Women & Children’s Building for the “Gather in Shenzhen” International Women’s Exchange Event on Saturday, eve of this year’s Mother’s Day.

“I like Shenzhen because it is innovative, safe, and serves as a massive technological hub,” said Kanwal Shahzina, a Pakistani associate researcher at Shenzhen Bay Laboratory. “APEC 2026 will be held in Shenzhen this November. I believe it will open new horizons, drive new development, and create many opportunities for the people of Shenzhen, of China, and of the world.”

The event opened with a welcoming address by Liu Jiachen, chairperson of the Shenzhen Women’s Federation. “Today’s gathering is a vivid testament to our efforts in deepening international exchanges and advancing the global cause of women’s development,” Liu said. She highlighted the venue as a landmark child-friendly space and a vital window for the city’s international engagement.

Three women from diverse backgrounds took the stage to share their personal Shenzhen stories.

Feng Changhong, president of the Shenzhen Industrial Design Profession Association, spoke of dreams and resilience. Thirty-six years ago, she arrived in the city on a 12-hour sleeper train with nothing but a one-way ticket. Transforming from a software engineer into a leader in industrial design, she has helped propel Chinese design onto the global stage. Today, Shenzhen boasts 150,000 designers who generate trillions in industrial value.

“I hope women can use their wisdom and professional drive to share Shenzhen’s unique voice with the world,” she said.

Shahzina has found a research haven in stem cell biology. What moved her most was not just the advanced facilities but the inclusive environment. “My lab head and colleagues have given me not only professional support but genuine friendship,” she said. Her team’s findings were recently published in journal Nature Communications. “This proves that in Shenzhen, women researchers can fully shine,” she added.

Sofia Duly, from the Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, marveled at the city’s meteoric rise into a global metropolis in just over four decades. “Living and working here is a unique honor,” she said. “It has provided me with a truly extraordinary life experience.”

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Shen Sister” Foreign Language Volunteer Service Team. The group is dedicated to building bridges of language and culture, sharing Shenzhen’s story of openness and diversity with the world. Additionally, four international women were appointed as City Promoters, serving as ambassadors to encourage global visitors to explore Shenzhen.