LUSAKA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's First Lady Esther Lungu on Wednesday attended the celebrations to mark the upcoming March 8 International Women's Day held by an association of Chinese women living in the African country.

During the celebrations held at the Lusaka National Museum in the capital, Lungu urged the Zambian women's participation in the country's efforts to promote gender equality and protect women's rights.

She said more need to be done in Zambia including reducing violence against women and ensuring women's access to economic empowerment.

Her remarks highlighted the focus of Women's Day celebrations this year in Zambia, with the theme "Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women's Lives."

On behalf of the Chinese women association, Geng Hailing, wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, lauded the progress made in Zambia in promoting gender equality and the implementation of various programs for women's economic empowerment.

The celebrations on Wednesday featured performances by Chinese women and school students. Chinese Ambassador Yang Youming was also present.???