The Federation of Women of Chinese Origin in the Netherlands

The Federation of Chinese Women's Associations in the Netherlands holds celebration for International Women's Day and its 23rd anniversary.

On the afternoon of March 13th, the Federation of Chinese Women's Associations in the Netherlands (hereinafter referred to as “LFCV”) held a celebration event with the theme “Embrace Hope, Do Practical Things” at the Shanghai Garden Restaurant in Delft to celebrate International Women's Day and its 23rd anniversary. Mr. Ma Tian and Ms. Zhang Linqi, Secretaries from the Consular and侨务 Division of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, were invited to attend. Nearly 200 people participated, including LFCV President Christine Chan, Honorary President Alice Cheung, President of the Federation of Chinese Organizations in the Netherlands Huang Qilin, President of the Dutch Women's Association NVR Astrid van Heumen, former Dutch Mayor of Chinese descent Roy Ho Ten Soeng, heads of relevant Chinese organizations, representatives of overseas Chinese, and Dutch friends. Attendees exchanged ideas and discussed topics such as how Chinese women can showcase their spirit and how to provide a platform for Chinese women to display their talents.

Chairman Chen Caixia delivered a welcome speech, thanking the guests for attending the event despite their busy schedules. She specifically thanked the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands for its long-standing care and guidance of the Women's Federation's work, as well as the support and assistance from relevant organizations and overseas Chinese leaders. She introduced that the Women's Federation annually holds celebrations for International Women's Day and its anniversary, encouraging women to participate in multicultural social activities and actively integrate into Dutch society. In 2014, the Women's Federation joined the Dutch National Women's Federation (NVR), becoming the first Chinese women's organization. Last year, they had the opportunity to interact with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who expressed her concern for Chinese women in the Netherlands.

Chairperson Chen Caixia stated that the Women's Federation cares deeply for the motherland (homeland) and fellow countrymen, and has repeatedly sponsored poor children in China and raised funds for disaster relief, demonstrating great compassion. As an important women's organization, the Women's Federation will pool its wisdom and efforts to provide comprehensive services for Chinese women in the Netherlands, and hopes to receive continued support from society.

Secretary Ma Tian delivered a speech on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, extending holiday greetings and best wishes to women compatriots. He stated that over the past 23 years since the establishment of the Women's Federation, it has closely united women compatriots and carried forward the traditional virtues of Chinese women—diligence, dedication, kindness, and virtue. He expressed his respect for the positive contributions made to the economic, cultural, and social prosperity of the Netherlands and their hometowns.

Secretary Ma Tian hopes that the Women's Federation will uphold its founding mission, continue to unite women compatriots and sister organizations, participate in and support overseas Chinese community activities, protect the legal rights and interests of women compatriots according to law, contribute to the construction of a harmonious overseas Chinese community, further strengthen exchange and cooperation with local women's organizations in the Netherlands, be a witness and promoter of China-Netherlands friendly cooperation, and showcase the outstanding achievements of Chinese women compatriots in all walks of life.

Chairman Huang Qilin delivered a speech stating that since its establishment, and through the efforts of its past presidents and members, the Women's Federation has steadfastly defended the legal rights and interests of women, strived to enrich the lives of overseas Chinese women, and actively participated in various activities for overseas Chinese, achieving remarkable success. He encouraged all fellow women to unite and continue to work hard for the healthy development of the Women's Federation and the construction of a harmonious overseas Chinese community.

Astrid van Heumen, Chairwoman of the Netherlands Women's Federation NVR, delivered a speech congratulating the Women's Federation on its 23rd anniversary. She introduced that this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Netherlands Women's Federation, and the Chinese Women's Federation is a member of it. She expressed hope to further strengthen ties and develop together.

Chairperson Astrid van Heumen presented a souvenir to Chairperson Cai Xia Chen.

The celebration was hosted by Luo Qingming and Liang Baoyi.

At the celebration event, Chairperson Chen Caixia presented appointment letters to the honorary directors of the 7th Council of the Women's Federation.

Chairwoman Chen Caixia, Honorary Chairwoman Zhang Huifang, and all board members sing "Happy Birthday" and cut the birthday cake together.

Chairwoman Chen Caixia presented a medal to Honorary Chairwoman Zhang Huifang for her outstanding contributions to the Women's Federation.

Met een Plan party candidate for the North Holland provincial council, Chen Guoqiang (pictured right), speaks, urging Chinese people to vote for him in the provincial council elections on the 15th.

Multiple Chinese artistic groups and culture enthusiasts performed wonderful song and dance, cheongsam shows, and other programs, while lucky draws continuously pushed the atmosphere to a climax.

The predecessor of the Federation of Chinese Women's Associations in the Netherlands was the Dutch Huiyuan Association, founded in the 1980s. Its purpose is to unite all Chinese women residing in the Netherlands, creating a warm and inclusive community for sisters living abroad. The association aims to foster harmonious family lives while also encouraging members to engage with and integrate into society, allowing everyone to utilize their unique skills and serve the community. Over the years, the Women's Federation has actively collaborated with the Dutch government's various policies and participated in activities organized by different Dutch institutions and organizations, making significant contributions to the multicultural society of the Netherlands.

The first Women's Federation sisters returned to their maiden homes to reunite with their sisters.

Ms. Zhang Huifang began her involvement in leading women's work in 1992, was elected Chairperson of the Women's Federation in 2008, and served as Chairperson for 14 years from 2008 to 2022, covering the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth terms. She has served as Honorary Permanent Chairperson since 2020 and was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.

Ms. Chen Caixia served as a board member of the Chinese Women's Association of The Hague District since 2003, and as President of the Chinese Women's Association of The Hague District since 2005. From 2005 to 2007, she served as a board member of the Women's Federation, and since 2007, she has held the position of Standing Committee member for Cultural and Recreational Activities. In 2020, she became the Chairperson of the Seventh Council of the Women's Federation.

The predecessor of the Federation of Chinese Women's Associations in the Netherlands was the Dutch Huiyuan Association, founded in the 1980s. Its purpose is to unite all Chinese women residing in the Netherlands, creating a warm and inclusive community for sisters living abroad. The association aims to foster harmonious family lives while also encouraging members to engage with and integrate into society, allowing everyone to utilize their unique skills and serve the community. Over the years, the Women's Federation has actively collaborated with the Dutch government's various policies and participated in activities organized by different Dutch institutions and organizations, making significant contributions to the multicultural society of the Netherlands.

Ms. Zhang Huifang began her involvement in leading women's work in 1992, was elected Chairperson of the Women's Federation in 2008, and served as Chairperson for 14 years from 2008 to 2022, covering the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth terms. She has served as Honorary Permanent Chairperson since 2020 and was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.

Ms. Chen Caixia served as a board member of the Chinese Women's Association of The Hague District since 2003, and as President of the Chinese Women's Association of The Hague District since 2005. From 2005 to 2007, she served as a board member of the Women's Federation, and since 2007, she has held the position of Standing Committee member for Cultural and Recreational Activities. In 2020, she became the Chairperson of the Seventh Council of the Women's Federation.

(Photography: Benny Lau) Article: United Times Zhang Chen Forestry Amateur Compilation