By Xiao Wu, video by Xingchen Yue, iChongqing

Chongqing - Under the theme of Balance for Better, the annual Women in Leadership Business Luncheon has been held in Crowne Plaza Jiefangbei Chongqing on International Women’s Day.

The luncheon was co-hosted by Crowne Plaza Jiefangbei Chongqing, International Women's Group Chongqing and British Chamber of Commerce. It was supported by British Consulate General in Chongqing, Consulate General of Canada in Chongqing, Raffles Hospital and Lululemon. It gathered outstanding women from different fields in Chongqing together to mark how far they have come to help forge a more gender balanced world. The guests attended the luncheon are diverse in nationality and work fields. But, undoubtedly, these ladies are all gorgeous.

How to understand Balance for Better

The theme of the International Women’s Day globally is Balance for Better. Balance is not a women's issue, it's a business issue. The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balance of employees, more gender-balance in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage. Gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive.

The Women in Leadership Business Luncheon held in Crowne Plaza Jiefangbei Chongqing on International Women’s Day. Photo by Xingchen Yue.

Wonderful speeches

“It’s wonderful to see the growing support and recognition that International Women’s Day has here in Chongqing.” Said Ms. Cecille EI Beleidi, the Consul General of U.K. in Chongqing.

The British Consul General explained how the British Embassy and consulates around China have been doing to support a more balanced way of working. The network has direct conversations with businesses around China to ask them what they have done to support gender equality and then share the practice in public so that other businesses can learn from. “Here in SW China, we get really good responses from big companies,” said Ms. Consul General.

The Consul General of U.K. in Chongqing-Ms.Cecille EI Beleidi at the Women in Leadership Business Luncheon in Chongqing. Photo by Xingchen Yue.

Ms. Marilène Gourdeau-Bussière, the consul of Canada Consulate in Chongqing, encouraged women to find a female role model in life. She shared the story about her mother, who has inspired her all the way to be strong.

The Consul of Canada in Chongqing - Ms. Marilène Gourdeau-Bussière at the Women in Leadership Business Luncheon in Chongqing. Photo by Xingchen Yue.

As honored guests speakers of today’s event, President of Raffles Hospital - Mr. Liu Guanghong and Head of Alternative Channels APAC of Lululemon - Mr. Ian Milne both delivered very encouraging speeches during the occasion to support gender equality. 

Co-Chairwoman of International Women's Group - Ms. Darlene Lee on the left.  President of Raffles Hospital - Mr. Liu Guanghong on the right. Photo by Xingchen Yue.

The food is tasty and the conversations are warm. A perfect day to appreciate the strength and beauty of women.

As Ms. Darlene Lee, the Co-Chairwoman of International Women’s Group Chongqing, said “ International Women’s Day is one day. We really should celebrate the other 364 days of the year. we do make a difference.”

Guests at the Women in Leadership Business Luncheon in Chongqing. Photo by Xingchen Yue.