Shirley Shen, CEO of Russian Crab LLC’s Shanghai Representative Office. Photo: Courtesy of Shirley Shen

The "She Power: Women Rising, The Era Progressing" event was held in Beijing on Saturday, bringing together female entrepreneurs, diplomats, and academics who shared their experiences and championed women's rights. Participants focused on the "She economy," offering female-oriented perspectives on career development and emphasizing the importance of gender equality in the workplace.

Shirley Shen, CEO of Russian Crab LLC's Shanghai Representative Office, spoke of the pressures women face due to pregnancy and family responsibilities. She recounted her setbacks, from leaving her job during pregnancy to an initial entrepreneurial failure, before rebounding in a growing business sector.

"Women should not underestimate themselves and set a 'glass ceiling' above their own heads. We must believe in our abilities and wait for our chance to break through," she said.

Shen noted that the success of the Russian crab industry in China has been fueled by rising demand and consumption upgrades. Sales of king crab in 2024 rose by 74 percent year on year, which she partly attributed to female voices within the team. By identifying the preferences of female consumers—who increasingly favor premium fresh and frozen seafood—Shen's company developed tailored products that resonated with the Chinese market.

Shoushou, executive secretary general of the Short Video and Live Streaming Committee of the Culture Promotion Association, and a former vice president of Wuyou Media, recounted how she challenged people's assumptions about her abilities. She transitioned from a media role to becoming a successful agent in China's TV and film entertainment industry before moving into internet platforms, where she built a network of opinion influencers.

"It is often more difficult to overcome our own biases than to shatter those held by others," she said, encouraging women to transcend traditional notions of fragility and continually reshape themselves.

Diplomats from Ghana, Mexico, and Israel also offered their perspectives. Ruby Saakor Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Investment Department at the Ghana Embassy, emphasized women's capacity to stand on the frontlines and contribute fresh ideas in all industries. She highlighted China-Ghana partnerships in building women's skills for business advancement, including better access to financing and expanded participation in trade operations.

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of both the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women and the Beijing Declaration. I am honored to be here in Beijing at such a meaningful moment to celebrate International Women's Day, while paying tribute to the many women who have fought for women's rights over the past century," Aranzazu Payan Lopez, Responsible for Trade and Agricultural Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico, said on Saturday.

Lopez said that as the embassy's first female consul, she endured doubts about her capabilities. "When I became the first woman to serve as a consul of Mexico here in Beijing, I will receive emails and invitations for meetings addressed to 'Mister consul,' people will call the embassy asking to speak to a mister," she said.

She hopes 'women don't have to be exceptional,' expressing her wish that future generations of women will not have to face the same challenges. "Women don't have to be the first the best or the only woman in the room. It will become an everyday occurrence to see a young woman at the negotiating table. I have dreamed that no one will question her ability or Intelligence based on her gender or her looks, I think that female diplomats will become a normal thing", said Lopez.

"I knew the saying that 'women hold up half the sky' when I first arrived in China," Lopez said. "I truly admire how Chinese society makes that possible." Her sentiment was echoed by Yifat Inbar, Minister of the Israeli Embassy and Economic Mission to Beijing, who was drawn to China at her early age.

Now posted in Beijing, she sees women's growing influence shaping new partnerships and believes "everything is possible for women, and they can be both leaders and mothers."

Zhao Yongsheng, Director of the French Centre for Economic Research at the University of International Business and Economics, offered a male researcher's viewpoint. Comparing European and Chinese women's career paths, he emphasized the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities and family obligations. "A society that respects women is a civilized society," Zhao said, adding that deeper commitment to protecting women's rights will empower more women to avoid having to choose between their marriages and careers.

The gathering underlined the rise of women's leadership, with speakers calling for greater awareness, institutional support, and the dismantling of barriers that limit women's potential. Through shared experiences and perspectives, participants encouraged a collective vision of a future where women are equally recognized in business, diplomacy, and beyond.