Xiamen PCG personnel, led by Consul Charleson C. Hermosura (seventh from left), at the end of their tour of the Xiamen Women’s Museum, with Museum tour guide Ms. Shan You (sixth from right).

XIAMEN 13 March 2026 - Consul Charleson Hermosura led the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen, all of them wearing something in purple, in a visit to the Xiamen Women’s Museum. Established by the Xiamen Women’s Federation in 2020, the said Museum is the first women’s museum in Fujian Province. 

Located on the 15th floor of the Jinguo Building, the Museum’s exterior features a white wall facing the elevators. The said wall prominently features the Chinese pronoun 她 and its English translation “She,” both painted in varying shades of burgundy. Also embossed on the elevator lobby wall are translations of “She” in several languages, including the Filipino “Siya.” The entrance reception of the museum has an S-shaped wooden partition wall. Ms. Shan You, tour guide of the Museum, explained that the shape alludes to infinity and the limitless capacity of women. With the six strokes required to write 她 in mind, the museum is divided into six exhibition areas: Women’s History, Women’s Revolution, Outstanding Women, Women’s Art. Women’s Sweet Home, and Women’s Stage. Each area offers more information and deeper insights into the diverse experiences of Fujian’s - and China’s - women, highlighting their resilience and determination in overcoming cultural and historical challenges.

One of the striking parts of the museum is a display of Lotus, traditional Chinese bridal, Mary Jane, canvas trainer, and stiletto-heeled shoes. The tiny Lotus shoes remind one of the period when Chinese women were forced to keep their feet small, deemed in those times as attractive and desirable. Thus, the display of shoes also reminds one that the Chinese woman has evolved from an obedient member of the family and society, to one who confidently can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men.

Another feature of the museum of interest to Xiamen PCG was the framed image of a Philippine kalesa. It was given to the Xiamen Women’s Federation as a token of friendship from the Filipino-Chinese Women’s Association.

A Philippine Kalesa, given as a token of friendship by the Filipino-Chinese Women’s Association to the Xiamen Women’s Federation.

An evolution of Chinese women’s shoes reminding one of how Chinese women have come a long way.

Among the women featured in the museum, a standout was the late Dr. Lin Qioazhi, a renowned obstetrician and gynecologist who was born in Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island. Having delivered thousands of babies in her lifetime, she was hailed as the “Mother of Ten Thousand Babies.” Miss You highlighted that the late agricultural expert Yuan Longping was among the babies delivered by Dr. Lin. He would later be known as “The Father of Hybrid Rice.”

 Xiamen PCG personnel watch a video about the Xiamen Women’s Federation, its works and activities.

Ms. Shan You of the Xiamen Women’s Museum showing the logos of the National Women’s Federation and Xiamen Women’s Federation, respectively.

The visit provided an opportunity for learning the stories of women-leaders from Xiamen, their significant contributions to advancing women’s education, and participation in the social development in China. The men and, especially, the women of Xiamen PCG were inspired by these stories to be leaders in their personal and professional lives, consistent with the sub-theme of this year’s Philippine National Women’s Celebration: “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” END