The 2026 “March 8th” International Women's Day celebration of the Overseas Chinese Association in the Netherlands successfully concluded. Spring breezes brought warmth and smiles filled the hall.
On March 9, 2026, the Women's Department of the Overseas Chinese Association in the Netherlands successfully held an International Women's Day celebration at Wereldrestaurant Eten & Zo in Zwolle. On this day, sisters from the Overseas Chinese Association in the Netherlands, from all over the country, put aside their busy schedules and gathered together like family. Amidst laughter and joy, they collectively created a warm and unforgettable festive memory.
An afternoon rendezvous, a warm meeting.The weather was perfect on the day of the event. Around 1 PM, the sisters began arriving at the venue. Staff members warmly welcomed each guest at the registration desk. The joy of old friends reuniting was evident on their faces, and the smiles of new friends meeting were heartwarming. Next to the registration desk, exquisite gifts for the award winners were neatly displayed – small suitcases printed with “Princess, Please Get Rich,” a wish that was both beautiful and playfully cute, attracting everyone to stop and take photos. Inside the venue, the medals and trophies for the bowling friendly match sparkled under the lights. Soft music flowed gently as people greeted each other or took commemorative photos, filling the air with a festive atmosphere.
Sincere words, heartwarming
The event officially commenced in a warm atmosphere. Mr. Hu Guoqian, President of the Huaqiao Federation in the Netherlands, was the first to take the stage to deliver his speech. He extended sincere holiday wishes to the sisters present and expressed gratitude for their efforts and wisdom contributed to families, associations, and social development.Following that, Ms. Tu Lihong, Minister of the Women's Department of the Overseas Chinese Association in the Netherlands, took the stage to give a speech. She extended festival greetings to the sisters present, thanked everyone for their continuous support and participation in the Women's Department, and expressed her sincere wish to continue uniting sisters and serving with heart in the future. Her simple words resonated with the feelings of everyone present.
Secretary Huang Mengsha and Secretary Sun Haili from the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands also specially attended the event to celebrate the festival with the sisters. Secretary Huang Mengsha was invited to the stage to give a speech. On behalf of the embassy, she extended sincere festival greetings to all the female friends. Her warm words conveyed the motherland's concern and care for overseas compatriots. She expressed her deep pleasure in seeing the united, friendly, and positive spirit of the sisters in the Netherlands, and wished them happiness in life and success in their careers. This greeting from the motherland made the sisters present feel particularly warm. Secretary Sun Haili also interacted cordially with everyone, sharing the joy of the festival!
Literary entertainment, laughter and joy
After the speeches, a relaxed and enjoyable sports and entertainment activity kicked off. On the bowling lanes, the ladies changed into comfortable shoes, swung their arms, and bowled. The moment the pins fell was met with cheers.
Beside the billiard table, several enthusiasts are practicing their skills, their focused expressions conveying a sense of ease and confidence.The karaoke area also attracted many sisters and gentlemen who love to sing. Familiar melodies played one after another softly. Some people would request their favorite songs and sing them passionately, while others sat nearby and softly sang along. Still others applauded their friends who were performing. One classic song after another expressed everyone's feelings and brought them closer together. On this festival that belonged to them, music became the best companion.
Small awards, full of joy
Although the bowling friendly match wasn't fiercely competitive, everyone had a great time in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. At the awards ceremony, a few “lucky winners” beamed as they received small prizes, met with continuous applause and cheers from the audience. The prizes may not have been expensive, but the participation and recognition were the most precious holiday gifts.
Buffet dinner, warm sharing
As night falls, the sumptuous buffet dinner begins on time. The restaurant is filled with the delicious aroma of Chinese and Western cuisine, and the steaming hot dishes whet everyone's appetite. People hold their plates, choosing their favorite foods while chatting with family and friends.Laughter filled the air around the dinner table. Some shared stories of their children's growth, others chatted about interesting work experiences, and some reminisced about the flavors of their hometown. They spoke to each other, sharing the little moments of their lives and speaking their hearts, as if a family gathered together. At this very moment, the delicious food not only warmed their stomachs but also brought their hearts closer.
Interactive games, full of laughterAfter dinner, the merriment continued. The host introduced two traditional games: shuttlecock kicking and virtual arrow tossing. Everyone eagerly participated, their laughter echoing. The shuttlecock kicking competition immediately drew many women to try their luck, and a few men couldn't resist joining in to show off their skills. Colorful shuttlecocks with feather tassels flew through the air. Some showed graceful movements, kicking theirs dozens of times without it falling, earning rounds of applause. Others, new to the game, found the shuttlecock playfully darting everywhere, making everyone roar with laughter. Regardless of skill level, everyone rediscovered the joy of childhood in this “dance on tiptoes.”
The pottery-throwing game was also exceptionally lively. Everyone held an arrow, held their breath, focused intently, and gently tossed it towards the mouth of the pot. Cheers of “Hit!” erupted one after another, and those who missed didn't get discouraged, simply smiled, shook their heads, and tried again. Everyone was having a great time, and each move had a distinct ancient charm. This game, originating from ancient rituals, tested both eyesight and patience, while also bringing unique fun to everyone.
At the end of each round of the game, the president's wife personally presented exquisite gifts to the winning contestants. Everyone held their prizes with beaming smiles, and a group photo captured this joyous moment.
Besides playing games, everyone chatted and exchanged stories in groups of three or five, or took photos for remembrance, capturing this heartwarming moment. The venue was filled with a festive atmosphere and a strong sense of sisterhood.
Reluctantly bidding farewell, looking forward to meeting again.Happy times always fly by. Around nine in the evening, the event gradually came to a close in a warm atmosphere. As they parted, everyone reluctantly bid each other farewell and promised to see each other again. Each lady received a “Princess, please get rich” small suitcase souvenir, which carried a beautiful meaning. They held them in their hands, smiling brightly. The sisters spontaneously gathered in small groups to take photos, with the camera capturing smiling faces and bringing this warm festival to a perfect close.
This gathering, though brief, was warm and unforgettable. From the greetings at check-in to the laughter during the recreational activities, from the conversations during the buffet dinner to the joy shared during the games – every moment was captured as a precious memory of this festival.
Thank you to every friend who participated. It's your smiles and enthusiasm that made this festival so wonderful. Thank you to the sisters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. It's your careful preparations that made this gathering so perfect. And thank you to every gentleman who attended and showed support. Your companionship and encouragement added warmth to this festival that belongs to women.
The Women's Department of the Chinese Overseas Association in the Netherlands cordially wishes all our sisters a happy holiday, and good health and well-being! May we continue to walk hand in hand and accompany each other with warmth in the days to come. No matter where we are, may we all draw strength from each other's care and find solace in our shared memories. The Women's Department family will always open its warm embrace to everyone.
Looking forward to our next reunion, and looking forward to seeing everyone's bright smiles again. Then, we'll chat, play games, and sing old songs together, spending our wonderful time!
Written by:Secretariat of the Chinese in the Netherlands Association
Image source: Zhou Shanchuan, Hu Bizheng
Edit:Zhang Chenlin Alex ZhangI made
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