This year saw the 21 anniversary of the friendly exchange between All-China Women's Federation and Gunma Prefecture of Japan. In order to explore new fields of exchange and cooperation between women of China and Japan, symposium on "Women's Participation" and "Women and Environment" was held in addition to visits of women and children's activities.

　　Upon the invitation of ACWF, Gunma Women's Delegation and Gunma Women's International Exchange Delegation headed by Ms. Tomioka, member of Integrated Development Council visited Beijing, Chongqing and Qingdao on October 15-23, 2001. During their visit in China, Mme. Shen Shuji, Vice President and member of secretariat of ACWF and Mme. Zang Aimin, Deputy Mayor of Qingdao City met with the delegation. A bilateral Symposium with ACWF was also held at China Women's Exchange and Development Center. The delegation visited China Women's College, San Den Auto Aircon Corporation Tianjin, Steel Plant Chongqing. They also observed Agricultural Demonstration Farm in Shangma Township of Qingdao, and Community Service Center of Shinan District. Discussions were held with Sino-Japan Friendship Environmental Protection Center and Chongqing Green Volunteers. Further more, they enjoyed gathering with children in Qingdao. Two college students from the delegation stayed one day in China Women's College with the class. They believe the visit not only enhanced the understanding and friendship between women and youth of the two countries, but also provided valuable experiences for work back home.

　　In return, upon the invitation of Mr. Kotera Hiroyuki, Governor of Gunma Prefecture of Japan, Chinese Women's Delegation and Women University Students Delegation headed by Mme. Shen Shuji, Vice President and member of Secretariat of ACWF paid visit to Gunma prefecture on November 1-9, 2001. They paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Takayama Noboru, Vice Governor of the Prefecture, heard lectures on social development and environmental protection, visited companies and women's colleges, experienced common citizens' life through home-stay program, and attended Civil Culture Festival of Japan. In the workshop, Mme. Shen presented a key-note speech on the situation of Chinese Women. Issues concerning women starting SMEs, equal employment, women and sustainable development were also discussed. Besides, women college students exchanged their opinions on environment and employment. Both sides agreed that discussions on common concerned issues between women and youth would be very helpful to deepen the mutual understanding and friendship between China and Japan, and would contribute to the long-term friendship.

Mrs. Shen Shugi, Vice president of ACWF, with Japanese friends.