Fashion show in Beijing celebrates Intl Women's Day

Shedding their professional outfits to don traditional qipao, fashionable cocktail dresses and evening gowns, a diverse group of women took to the catwalk to demonstrate their unique charm during a fashion show held on Wednesday in Beijing's Chaoyang district.

Themed "Amazing Her," the event showcased the model's womanhood and highlighted the best of Chaoyang's female power to celebrate the upcoming International Women's Day. Among the 20 participants were two diplomats, two doctors, two policewomen, two community workers, two street cleaners and one school director.

The fashion show displayed women's independence and confidence in the new era and called on women to stick to their dreams even while slogging it out at their day jobs.

Caroline Woodburn, the vice principal of the Canadian International School in Chaoyang district, expressed to reporters her desire to become a woman with more possibilities.

The Canadian came to Beijing half a year ago from Toronto and has become deeply interested in Chinese culture. "I am trying to learn Mandarin, and I would love to learn more in my teaching experience."

For women working in grassroots posts, the show was an excellent opportunity to express themselves.

"It is such a great honor to be here as a model because I have never had a chance to step on the stage and perform in a fashion show," said Wang Aiying, a street cleaner in Chaoyang district.

No matter how bad the weather is, Wang always sticks to her cleaning work. Wang has inspired women from all walks of life to be confident and brave in pursuing self-value.

Officials from the Chaoyang Women's Federation, Chaoyang Ministry of Civil Affairs and Chaoyang Federation of Trade Unions, diplomats from foreign embassies and some company directors based in Chaoyang district also attended the activity.