Paris exhibition in celebration of China-France cultural exchange

The exhibition, Beautiful Crafts Workshop Blooming in Paris, showcasing cultural and creative works by women with disabilities, was inaugurated on Tuesday at the China Cultural Center in Paris.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, the exhibition aims to foster cultural exchange between people with disabilities from both nations.

On display are nearly 300 handcrafted items from more than 30 "Beautiful Crafts Workshops" in regions including Guangdong, Shandong, and Hebei provinces. The collection features silk dolls, cloth tigers, fish skin paintings, wooden combs, wood carvings, ceramics, and other intricate crafts.

Cheng Kai, head of the Chinese Paralympic delegation and chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, emphasized China's commitment to collaborating with the international community to support women with disabilities in realizing their dreams. He highlighted the need for collective efforts to advance the global disability cause, benefiting people with disabilities worldwide.

Cheng also called for greater attention to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment of women with disabilities, urging the creation of more opportunities for them to step out of their homes and fully participate in society.

Chinese Ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, highlighted the Chinese government's strong commitment to advancing the welfare of people with disabilities. He pointed out that through strengthening legal frameworks, expanding subsidy programs, and improving social conditions, China has significantly enhanced the sense of well-being, happiness, and security for its disabled population.

"This year is a milestone in China-France cultural exchanges, and the Paris Olympics and Paralympics offer a valuable opportunity to deepen our friendship further," Lu remarked.

Zhang Haidi, president of Rehabilitation International, expressed her sincere hope that the "Beautiful Crafts Workshop" would gain global recognition, helping more women with disabilities lead better lives.

Tang Zhanxin, a representative of the "Beautiful Crafts Workshop", shared her journey of how she became involved with the initiative. She recounted how the workshop has enabled many disabled women in China to secure employment and improve their livelihoods.

"My colleagues and I have traveled from Beijing to the romantic city of Paris. We're here not only to support our athletes but also with the hopeful intention of seeking more cooperation and support," she said.

The "Beautiful Crafts Workshop" initiative was jointly launched by the China Disabled Persons' Federation and the All-China Women's Federation in 2022.

The program supports handicraft businesses and organizations that enable women with disabilities to work from home or nearby locations.

Over the next three years, China plans to establish 100 "Beautiful Crafts Workshops", providing jobs to 10,000 women with disabilities.

The exhibition will run for three days.