File photo: Agencies

The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Durban held a virtual gathering for International Women's Day on March 8.

Attendees included more than 30 guests from the community including Zulu Queen MPume, Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, a member of KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature and Fawzia Peer, a councillor and former deputy mayor of eThekwini Municipality.

Event moderator Madam Li Wenjun, wife of the consul general, welcomed guests and briefed them on the theme of the gathering: "TCM, Qipao and SHE power Against COVID-19."

Li thanked the five guest speakers for sharing and empowering all at the meeting.

Dai Dechun of the 16th Chinese medical brigade to Guyana introduced basic methods of traditional Chinese medicine and commonly practiced healthcare skills.

Jiang Xinyun, founder of Jiang Qipao, explained the origin, design and patterns of the qipao, or cheongsam, as well as related etiquette.

Queen MPume elaborated on role of women in education and functions of traditional medicine in epidemic prevention and cure.

Councillor Peer stressed women’s leading role in caring for the poor and the impact of the epidemic on the general population.

Ji Yanfeng of the local Chinese community shared her family’s story in the fight against COVID-19.

An illuminating question-and-answer session followed the presentations.