Chinese Women's Culture Week will be held in France from March 15 to 24 as part of the Chinese Culture Year in France activities, said sources with the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) on Wednesday.

Chinese and French women will discuss women's roles in the family and in economic and social development at symposiums held during the week. Top women leaders from both countries will exchange their views on related issues.

A large photo exhibition will depict the work and lives of Chinese women of various ethnic groups. Fashion shows displaying the styles of different dynasties and subcultures will also be held.

This event will strengthen friendship between the Chinese and French people, and also the women from the two countries, said Zhang Jing, director of the ACWF’s International Department.

Chinese Women's Culture Week, jointly held by the French Ministry of Social Affairs, Work and Solidarity, and municipal governments of Marseilles and Rennes, is an important part of the Sino-French Culture Year.

Gu Xiulian, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and president of the ACWF, will go to France for the activity.

This year is the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Chinese Culture Year, with the theme, "Ancient China, Colorful China, Modern China," opened on October 6 last year in France. French Culture Week will be held in China this year, under the title "Romance and Innovation.”

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2004)