Upon expanding the GMI global network, to truly achieve our mission to unite globalmoms and inspire the world with MomQ, we acknowledged the importance of slowly activating offline City Chapters anywhere within and outside of China. City Chapters Building a Global Network Upon expanding the GMI global network, to truly achieve our mission to unite globalmoms and inspire the world with MomQ, we acknowledged the importance of slowly activating offline City Chapters anywhere within and outside of China. Cultural context in which the interaction between moms and the stakeholders occurs has a significant impact on the process of community engagement and effective program implementation. Thus, we encourage leaders and volunteers within the shared geographical locations to get involved and make a difference (in moms’ and their own lives). Every chapter will be supported and guided by GMI leadership team throughout the change-makng journey. Start A Chapter Active Chapters Siena, Italy Chapter Lead | Esther, Li Yun Feng Li Yun Feng, a Naxi nationality born in China, is currently living in Italy, where she promotes and engages in international folk culture & art exchanges. She is the founder of Ming Women's Museum & Ming China-Netherlands Association for Promotion of Culture and Art. Vist https://www.mingart.nl for more information. Beijing, China Chapter Lead | Jane Li Jane Li, Founder of GlobalMoms Initiative (GMI) and GMI Women Design & Social Innovation Center, initiator and co-founder of Invest Women Network (IWN), all aim to close the gender gap through investing women and empowering mothers. Jane holds her master degree in Nonprofit Management from The University of Hong Kong (passed with Distinction, 2020), and bachelor degree in laws from Fudan University (awarded the Excellent Graduate, 2007). She is a PFP Fellow of the National Committee on US-China Relations (2023) and Program Fellow of Wealth for Wellbeing Initiative carried out by Institute for Philanthropy, Tsinghua University (2025). Before launching the GlobalMoms Initiative to empower women with children at different life stages, her past 17 years of work experience have spanned the private sector, public sector, and nonprofit sector, such as family office, HKEX listed state-owned company, international organization, national philanthropic foundation and social enterprise. Jakarta, Indonesia Chapter Lead | Sissi Li Sissi Li is an award-winning TV personality who began her broadcasting career at just 10 years old, hosting radio shows and television galas. With a passion for storytelling and human connection, she built a distinguished career with leading global media organizations, contributing to hundreds of news stories and conducting exclusive interviews with world leaders. Despite her early success in the spotlight, Sissi’s true passion has always been about connecting with people on a deeper level. That calling became even stronger when she became a mother—an experience that shifted her focus from recognition to purpose. Today, Sissi serves as a chapter leader for the Global Moms Initiative in Indonesia, working to empower women and build supportive communities around the world. She believes wholeheartedly that helping others is one of the most powerful ways to grow and heal ourselves. Tbilisi, Georgia Chapter Lead | Mari Sharashidze With an educational background in Social and Political Sciences, Mari Sharashidze has worked in non-profit organizational development in Georgia and has seen first-hand that empowering women and girls can bring transformational improvements in families, communities, and societies. She has worked in education industry for 5+ years while also volunteering for women’s empowerment and well-being in Beijing, China. She has seen the importance of people’s engagement in actions towards positive impact making. With her knowledge in partnership development, community engagement, child and youth education, strategy planning, policy advocacy and parenting, she’s here to contribute to the overall well-being of GlobalMoms. Shanghai, China Chapter Co-Lead | Sasha Chen Sasha Chen is a professional in nonprofit management with 10+ years of experience working at foundations and universities in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai. She is also a researcher in impact investing and social entrepreneurship and has authored several research papers and cases in social innovation. Sasha is currently running her nonprofit organization to promote lifelong learning. As a mother of two children and the Chair of Shanghai Guangbo Institute of Further Education, she launched the MamaPro network with the support of the Shanghai Women Federation to empower working moms. Sasha holds a BA in Economics from Fudan University, an MPA in Nonprofit Management from New York University, and an MPhil in Public Policy from Hong Kong University. Shenzhen, China Chapter Lead | Selina Ma Selina Ma has worked multiple positions in the Internet field for 10+ years, including development engineer, project manager, product manager and others. At the same time, she has paid close attention to the public welfare industry and volunteer organizations, and has more than ten years of volunteer service experience, mainly in the fields of education and women. Selina graduated from Dalian University of Technology. She is a certified lecturer of positive discipline, a tutor of parent-child reading, and collaborator of a family education public welfare organization. Chapter Lead | Samtso Kyi Shangri-La, China Samtso is a mother of two and has over 10 years of experience in the NGO and social entrepreneurship field. She is dedicated to helping women and children in rural areas, and she is the founder and CEO of the Shangri-la Gyalthang Academy and the Women’s Beekeeping Initiative. She has a master's degree in Human Resource Management and is passionate about creating sustainable opportunities for people in need. Chapter Lead | Cong Chen Xi'An, China Cong Chen, Founder of "Art and Nature CAN" School & Half the Sky Bookstore Space Manager. She has been engaged in art for 12 years, advocating gender equality and environmental awareness in art activities, and practicing the concept that art comes from nature. In 2015, she worked in a public welfare organization, focusing on the development of women and children. In 2020, she collaborated with rural women and children in a public welfare project to build a nature school, and combined natural art with life education to carry out a series of activities to promote children's new understanding and changes in life in nature. Chapter Lead | Joanna Cheung Hong Kong Joanna has spent most of her professional life in leading global sports organisations, including IMG and the NBA. During this time, she witnessed first-hand how the mind can significantly impact performance and our overall well-being. This sparked her interest in exploring how mindfulness is applied in both personal and professional contexts. Committed to sharing her knowledge and skills with others, Joanna offers individual and group mindfulness coaching in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Her goal is to help individuals and groups achieve greater personal and professional well-being and live a happier, more fulfilling life. After spending her teenage years in the UK and most of her adult life in Beijing, Joanna and her family recently moved back to Hong Kong, where they now call home. Chapter Co-Lead | Elisa Zhang Wuhan, China She has been full-time mothering nearly five years, and returned to the workplace for three years, is “Robot Online”company's first female salesperson, based in Wuhan. Recently she also takes a new role as the manager of a community book club in Wuhan. her interests cover traditional incense culture, yoga etc. She hopes to rebuild neighborhood relations through gathering people togther with fun community events, such as reading, sports, art education, parenting talks and so on. Chapter Co-Lead | Emma Zhang Beijing, China Zhang Jun is the co-founder of Leadersmind Education, an internet education company committed to providing holistic development programs for school-age children. In her early career, Ms. Zhang accumulated extensive experience in the media and public relations industry, where she delivered strategic PR consulting services to multiple internationally renowned organizations and brands. Ms. Zhang has always been concerned about women’s self-growth, she is currently engaged in public welfare projects related to children and women's development. Chapter Lead | Ziwei Luo Victoria, Canada Ziwei Luo is an accomplished professional with an interdisciplinary background in cross-cultural communication, education, and media. Holding a Master’s degree in Education (Leadership Studies) and a Bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language, she has extensive experience working in both international and local settings. Ziwei aims to leverage her diverse expertise to drive impactful social initiatives, with a strong focus on promoting environmental sustainability and gender equity. Chapter Co-Lead | Marta Cámara Shanghai, China & Spain Marta Cámara, also known as Constanza Chesnott, is a screenwriter and fiction author with Penguin Random House, celebrated for over a decade of compelling novels that captivate readers across languages. Her works, translated into English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, bring her storytelling to diverse audiences worldwide. In addition to novels, Marta has written limited series adaptations, original screenplays, and specialized adaptations of Chinese series for foreign markets. With over 20 years as an experienced copyright lawyer, she bridges the creative and legal fields with expertise. In September 2024, Marta participated as a writer and script supervisor in the renowned 48-Hour Film Challenge in Shanghai, where her team’s short film True Artist earned seven nominations. Her passion for culture and exploration is matched by her international life experience—having lived in Taipei, Singapore, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Ecuador, Spain, and China. She is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Chinese, embodying a truly global perspective. Chapter Lead | Cao Xiaoqian Kuala lumpur, Malaysia Cao Xiaoqian, a mother of two, brings over 20 years of diverse experience spanning the telecommunications, automotive, education, and food and beverage sectors. Her professional journey includes roles as both a founder and an integral member of various startup teams. Currently, she serves as an instructor within the innovation and entrepreneurship center at a Malaysian University, where her responsibilities encompass fostering industry-academia collaborations and nurturing student innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors. Academically, she holds a Master's degree in Social Psychology and a Bachelor's degree with a double major in Linguistics and Trade. Chapter Lead | Xu Huimin Hangzhou, China Founder of Shuting Social Organization Service Center, "Shared Farming and Reading Space" manager, GoZeroWaste Hangzhou team leader. Having been a stay-at-home mom twice, I created a better version of myself. In the process from hesitation, helplessness to determination and courage, I got to know a lot of mothers with the similar situation. I hope to help more moms live out their true selves through mom empowerment actions. I like reading in nature, playing games, but also enjoy quiet times observing painting. Chapter Co-Lead | Salome Tsikhiseli Guangzhou, China & Georgia Salome originally comes from Georgia. Salome has been living and working in Guangzhou for eight years, promoting Georgian culture. She holds a PhD in Humanities, specializing in Sinology, and is also a philologist of English language and literature. She is an official member of the NGO “Belt and Road Georgian Business House” and serves as the Head of the Public Relations Department within the organization. Additionally, she is the founder of a cultural exchange center. Salome is also the creator of “Karabadini”, her own brand of organic skincare products. At the same time, she lectures at the International Faculty in Guangzhou. Chapter Co-Lead | Wu Qiong Shanghai, China Ms. Wu Qiong, social worker, Master of Social Service Administration, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Director, Shanghai Yixin Social Work Development Center. Director of the Minhang District Women's Business Association. She has 19 years of experience in community public service. In women's councils, women's participation in community governance, leading the team to develop, design and implement the“Her ideas” series of courses, the“Her wisdom” women's council project, the“Carnation Care” project for critically ill women, the“Anti-domestic Violence Alliance” mechanism innovation project, and the“Women's home” Empowerment Project. It combines project practice with theoretical research, participates in action research on women's issues, and actively speaks out for the protection of women's rights and interests and women's development through various platforms. Chapter Co-Lead | Nicole, Wang Qian Wuhan, China Wang Qian, also known as Nicole Wang, is a former media professional with years of experience in the industry, a serial entrepreneur, and now a full-time dedicated contributor to public welfare. She is the founder and chairperson of Xiangyang Ersheng Youth and Children Support Center, an organization committed to supporting the growth and development of young people and children. In addition, she serves as a mentor at a university-based public welfare institute, guiding the next generation of philanthropic leaders. If you’d like to... Lead and develop a team of volunteers and show them how they can contribute while developing their skills Plan and coordinate GMI project-related meetings, events, and activities Communicate with stakeholders and get more moms involved Look out for ways to build collaborations to ensure effective needs response within your community Have a lot of fun in the process ...A new chapter in your life awaits! Start a new GMI chapter in your city. We offer assistance, support and mentorship throughout your journey. Apply Now Start A Chapter

MomQ is a word created by GMI, it refers to mom power and leadership. The assumption behind GMI is that every mom has MomQ! In order to explore the characteristics consisting of MomQ, GMI has launched MomQ action research for generalizing critical findings to redefine Mom identity. MomQ Action Research The Power of Mom MomQ is a word created by GMI, it refers to mom power and leadership. The assumption behind GMI is that every mom has MomQ! In order to explore the characteristics consisting of MomQ, GMI has launched MomStory100 to interview moms around the globe to share their life journey. And MomStory100 also contributes to GMI MomQ action research for generalizing critical findings to redefine Mom identity. For the detailed research plan: Contact Us Academic Advisors on Gender Studies Dr. Chao An Peking University, Beijing Normal University Dr. Chao An is assistant researcher in China Institute of Education & Social Development, Beijing Normal University. She got her Master degree from Peking University and her Ph. D from Beijing Normal University. She is engaged in postdoctoral research in the Department of sociology at Tsinghua University. Her research interests include sociology of education, teacher education and family education. Dr. Ling Han The Chinese University of Hong Kong Dr. Ling Han is an Assistant Professor in the Gender Studies Programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is a sociologist researching the intersection of gender, technology, and design in social innovation projects and the entrepreneurship process in Asia. Her current work explores topics of gender, passion, and the meaning of work in Chinese and Singaporean nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Dr. Sisi Sung PhD, Tsinghua University Dr. Sisi Sung is an award-winning economist, Sisi holds professional affiliations across the United States, China, Europe, and the United Kingdom. She serves as an expert advisor to the European Commission, guiding multinational corporations and international organizations in advancing gender equality and leveraging diversity for sustainability. Sisi is the author of the internationally acclaimed book, The Economics of Gender in China: Women, Work, and the Glass Ceiling, and is dedicated to translating her research on gender economics, leadership, and entrepreneurship into actionable strategies for equity that transform workplaces worldwide. Dr. Yao Yanran The University of Hong Kong Dr. Yao obtained her PhD from the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong. She is a researcher and lecturer with an interdisciplinary background in social work, public management, and international development. Her current research interests focus on the politics of social policy development, nonprofit management, and civic engagement. Dr. Yung-Pin Lu Shanghai Jiao Tong University Dr. Yung-Pin Lu is an Assistant Professor in the School of International and Public Affair and Vice-Director of Third-Sector Study Center from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. His researches focus on leadership, collaborative management, NGO-NPO, social enterprise, social finance, social impact, volunteer, donation, and intercultural communication. Dr. Zheng Lei PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison Dr. Zheng's research interest is in the cultural politics of education and history of knowledge. Her recent study questions how the contemporary discourses of "culture" and "poverty" disenpower rather than empowering people who are economically deprived. Dr. Weizi Huang Macau University of Science and Technology Dr. Weizi Huang is an Assistant Professor at Macau University of Science and Technology, and a visiting fellow at The London School of Economics and Political Science. Her primary research focus lies in media and knowledge production. Ever since she became a mother, she has been obsessed in rethinking motherhood from a cultural studies perspective. Reading List GMI's programs and actions are inspired by our collected authentic MomStories , as well as the evidence-based research and literary outputs in gender studies and related areas across the world. This book list is recommended and referred to by our academic advisors. We hope it will inspire you to join our mission to close the gender gap for moms and everyone.

100-Hours is a noteworthy milestone for any volunteer. It demonstrates our value, commitment and dynamic work which, step by step, improves ourselves, our service targets and the world we share. 100 Hours Club Each of GMI's accomplishments are built upon volunteer contributions. When volunteers join our team, we don't question their background or motivations, because we believe actions can speak for themselves. As it is said, "Time will know”. Although time banking is not yet a prevalent concept in the development world, we are consciously applying this concept and its principles into GMI's work. With each passing day, GMI constantly learns, reflects and improves, continuously evolving to fulfill ourselves while empowering others- in our case, GlobalMoms. 100-Hours is a noteworthy milestone for any volunteer. It demonstrates our value, commitment and dynamic work which, step by step, improves ourselves, our service targets and the world we share. This acknowledgement page showcases all past and present volunteers who have dedicated over 100 hours to the GMI mission. Thank you and congratulations to all. You are more than brilliant, and your potential is yet to be fully revealed. Christina Ren English MomStory Editor “The Light We Carry” - Michelle Obama Emma Zhang Beijing Event Co-coordinator “Moms make the world go around" Gao Yuan Design Innovation Center Co-Director MomDesigner100 Mentor “Love is the power of sustainable development.” Jane Founder and Chief Volunteer “The best giving is giving without being asked.” No effort will be wasted. GMI aims to mobilize like-minded volunteers globally to build a people-first ecosystem, where women support women, moms support moms, everyone flows. Jane, Founder of GMI Lotus Wang Jobs4Moms Program Lead 2022 “Carpe Diem.“ - Dead Poets Society Margaret Nie Writer, Senior Editor of MomStory 100 “Sharing is caring!“ Nina Cheng MomStory100 Editor 2023 “Cor Cordium“ - Shelley’s Epitaph Mari International Community Coordinator “Keep the sun in your heart“ Zhao Hang MomStory100 Program co-Lead “My life is shining“ Sharon Liu UX/UI Designer “Love is an action, never simply a feeling.“ - bell hooks Vivian Wu MomCEO100 Program Lead 2024 "Fulfill yourself through empowering mothers" Phoebe, Cui Wenqi 10-months Writing Challenge Coordinator 2025 "Love is the foremost of all things." Eva, Wang Yiman MomStory Editor and Translator "Like a mother’s care, true giving knows no boundaries." Interested in joining our volunteer work? Join Us

Photo / Ziwei's daily life in Canada I’m a 32-year-old mom from a small town in China, and a new immigrant to Canada. I’ve been out of the workforce for five years. I have no local connections, no resources, and no prior experience organizing exhibitions or events. For a long time, I deeply doubted my own abilities and often felt anxious in social situations. So when I first tried to make an exhibition happen here, I almost wanted to give up every single day. But in the end, I did it. Even though it wasn’t as perfect as I imagined, I truly believe that with the right support, every mom can achieve what she dreams of. Timeline December 2024: The idea of bringing The Mom Story Exhibition from the GlobalMoms Initiative (GMI) to Canada came to me. The founder helped form a small volunteer team. January 2025: I started searching for venues online, contacting galleries, and submitting an artist statement and exhibition proposal. The second gallery I reached out to responded! I also wanted to seek sponsorship or partnership opportunities, but unfortunately, that part didn’t work out. January–April: I joined brainstorming meetings with the GMI founder and co-curators. Volunteers helped with translation. I oversaw story selection, revising translations, and collaborating closely with the design volunteer. May–July: The designer and I worked on exhibition text and image layout design. Then I contacted a fabric manufacturer for printing, collected my family keepsakes, and wrote captions for each item. 2025 August: I brought all materials back to Canada, sourced local supplies, gathered tree branches, and hand-assembled the exhibition using natural rope and fabric. The captions were written on cardboard, to make sure everything as eco-friendly as possible. Moments of Doubts In 2024, I joined a nonprofit organization focused on empowering mothers. In the same year, they held MomStory Exhibition in Tianjin, which deeply moved me. Since then, I’ve had a quiet thought: Could I make something like that happen here in Canada? But I’m the kind of person who’s full of ideas but often struggles to act. Luckily, with strong encouragement from the GMI founder, I finally decided to go for it. In the beginning, I simply Googled the term “art gallery” to look for inspiration. Most of what I found were grand, high-end art exhibitions. I was terrified that my small, humble project would be rejected, so much so that I barely dared to contact anyone. The exhibition setup process was also exhausting. As I stitched fabric and tied threads, I could barely breathe from the pressure. Many times, I thought about giving up the eco-friendly idea and just buying ready-made scrolls. But in the end, I made it. The Magic of Been Seen Finally, we were accepted by the city hall’s window display area. And as it turned out, the art coordinator in charge of the space was also a woman who had previously curated an exhibition about mothers. See? Women help women. I always thought I wasn’t good at expressing myself and struggled with verbal communication. But while writing the stories behind each keepsake, I found that people genuinely loved my captions. I even received heartfelt encouragement from the founder. At that moment, I realized that writing, might be one of my small gifts. In my childhood and adultescence, I could not afford to learn anything such as playing piano, dancing, etc. Therefore, the encouragement was unexpectedly comforting. It reminded me that everyone has their own unique strength that they might not know of. The Power of Leadership Throughout this curating journey, what struck me most was the importance of leadership. Our volunteer team wasn’t built on a traditional top-down hierarchy, but rather on flat, collaborative teamwork. No one assumed what others could or couldn’t do. Whenever someone said, “I’d like to try this,” the rest of the team, especially the founder would offer genuine encouragement and practical suggestions. This supportive, trusting atmosphere helped me overcome my hesitation to ask for help. Instead, I learned to communicate proactively. I learned the importance of “housekeeping” and regular “check-ins”. This became one of the most valuable collaboration strategies I’ve learned. When progress slowed down, I would clearly and respectfully realign the timeline and tasks with my co-curator, without any assumptions and always believing in her capabilities. I’ve come to understand that leadership isn’t about control; it’s about creating a space where everyone can shine. Final Thoughts From self-doubt to persistence, from meltdown to being seen, this journey taught me one of life’s most important lessons: Never underestimate yourself, and never underestimate the power of small actions. If you’re also a mom, or you often feel like “you’re not good at anything”, I want to share my story with you: Even if it’s slow, even if it’s imperfect, just take the first step. You’ll discover that you can go much further than you ever imagined.  After Story The days are long, But the years are short --Reflection on my 32th birthday & 4th birthday for my son Turning 32, I’ve come to feel the Years slip away before we know it. On my birthday, I spoke with two women in their seventies. Both said the same thing almost identically, “Enjoy your time with your kdis. Spend as much time as you can – really engaging with them. Because before you know it, time just flies.” And that struck me. Because at seventy, What truly remains? Money? You can't take it with you to the grave. Ego? Reputation? You may enjoy them for a season. But they will fade eventually as you grow old. When the stage lights dim, what stays? Only memories. At the end of life,  when everything begins to rewind, what will we see? A childhood wrapped in love, "someone,"  a youth striving to become and then,  the long middle stretch, the juggling between work and family, ambition and exhaustion, dreams and diapers. In those final moments,  perhaps we'll regret not spending more time leaving good memories for our children. Not taking that trip with our family. Not doing the things we longed for but postponed, always telling ourselves we were just. "surviving." At the most recent gathering with my middle school classmates, one of them, also a mother, laughed and said to me, "Even with your education degree, you still end up taking care of kids." That comment stayed with me. Many people are confused about this: there is no dichotomy between being highly educated and being a mother. Yet people insist there is. It assumes that people with education and intellect should sit in offices, earning money, producing, achieving. But not staying home, not slowing down. But what if the real wisdom lies in understanding that life's value isn't measured by output, but by presence? That raising a child, nurturing a home, or simply being here attentively might be the most profound form of education there is? The days are long, but the years are short. And when we finally stand at the end of our own story, we might realize that the things that truly mattered were never the things that made us "successful," but the moments that made us alive. About the Writer Ziwei,  a typical “small-town striver” turned journalist in Beijing for three years, I later saved up to pursue a graduate degree in Education—specializing in Leadership Studies—in Canada. I am now based in Victoria, British Columbia. Having spent a year studying in the Middle East, I developed a deep understanding of intercultural communication. In recent years, my interests have expanded to sustainability and feminism. Currently, I’m on a gap year, embracing full-time motherhood. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziweiluo/

On the 15th September 2025 - Beijing, "I was Born a Girl", a poetry and portrait exhibition jointly presented by the Embassy of Finland in China, the GlobalMoms Initiative (GMI) and Genesis Beijing, held the VIP reception and the opening ceremony, and unveiled the first East Asian female portraitist of this world tour exhibition.   Mr. Mikko Kinnunen, Ambassador of Finland to China, delivered a welcome speech and thanked the guests for their support. Ms. Yang Yang, China's first Winter Olympic Gold Medalist, Member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the first East Asian female portraitist of the exhibition, delivered the keynote speech, she told the stories of her championship career and explorations and achievements in different public spheres, on how to break through gender stereotypes, fight for opportunities for women, and as a mother, how to influence children with social actions.   The exhibition is also a cultural diplomacy initiative patronized by the current Finnish first lady, Ms. Suzanne Elizabeth Innes-Stubb, and a follow up event after the President and first lady's state visit to China in October 2024. Ms. Jane Li, the founder of GMI, was invited to a tea party with Ms. Suzanne, where the participants discussed who should be nominated for the portrait subject for the exhibition's arrival in China, which would be its first footprint in Asia.   Among the vip guests are Ms. Smriti Aryal, UN Women Representative in China; Ms. Sophie Muller, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Representative in China; Mr. Per Augustsson, Swedish ambassador to China, and representatives of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; diplomats from other embassies; the exhibition sponsors Ms. Zhou Mingming and Daniel Zhou, founder of Jinghua club; And many other leaders from different fields.   Besides the role of co-organizers, the GMI Design Innovation Center also provided spatial and visual design support throughout the exhibition preparation, the stories and poems for the exhibition are translated by Ms. Fei Yang, senior editor of GMI's MomStory100 program, who is also a mother of three children.   Every day and every step of GMI is aiming to contribute to the mission of Investing Women and Empowering Mothers, and to close the gender gap for all. Download Bilingual Exhibition Brochure Here. Art and Poetry: Minna Pietarinen Co-organizers: Embassy of Finland and GlobalMoms Initiative Factual Texts: UN Women Finland & Peppi Stünkel Chinese Translation: Fei Yang Executive Director: Peppi Stünkel Venue Support:Genesis Beijing -THE END-

August 27 – October 13, 2025 | Saanich Municipal Hall Gallery The GlobalMoms Initiative (GMI) is proud to present the Mom Story Exhibition , an international project amplifying the authentic voices and lived experiences of mothers from around the world. Running from August 27 to October 13, 2025 , at the Saanich Municipal Hall Gallery, the exhibition brings together powerful text narratives and intimate family artifacts to shed light on motherhood’s struggles, resilience, and transformations. This exhibition gives visibility to the unseen. The stories and objects on display remind us that behind every statistic or polished façade is a mother carrying immense love and immense weight. Two Sections: Stories and Objects The exhibition is divided into two complementary parts: Text Story Display  — Written testimonies from mothers across diverse backgrounds highlight themes of caregiving, advocacy, and survival. Each story is printed on cloth and suspended with tree sticks, handknitted together using natural fibers to create a sustainable, rustic presentation. Visitors will encounter stories such as: Photo by / Ziwei Luo Balance  — A reflection on the invisible struggles mothers face while meeting professional expectations. Chairman of the Disabled Persons’ Federation  — A mother’s account of years of advocacy that led to Beijing opening its first preschool class for visually impaired children. Life’s Darkest Hours  — A 37-year-old mother of twins recalls her battle with postpartum despair, and the fragile hope that pulled her back from the brink. Old Objects Display — A personal collection curated by Ziwei Luo, showcasing everyday family artifacts carried from China to Canada. Each item holds intergenerational memory and care, including: A swaddle wrap  sewn by a grandmother in rural Guangdong, carrying the scent of love and tradition. A wooden abacus  that symbolized a working mother’s role in 1990s China. A baby pillow  and knitted baby boots , each marking intimate passages of caregiving across three generations and two continents. Photo by / Ziwei Luo A Collaborative Curatorial Effort The Victoria edition of the Mom Story Exhibition  is shaped by the reflections of curators Ziwei Luo , Jane , and Xiaoyu Wang , who bring different lenses to interpreting the stories. Their contributions invite visitors to not only witness but also reflect: What does it mean to support mothers more fully—in our homes, workplaces, and communities? About the Co-Curators Ziwei Luo is a Chinese settler in Victoria, BC, a mother to a spirited four-year-old, and the City Chapter Lead in Victoria, at GlobalMoms Initiative. She is also a Master of Public Administration student at the University of Victoria. Ziwei aims to leverage her diverse expertise to drive impactful social initiatives, with a strong focus on promoting environmental sustainability and social equity. She is the exhibition coordinator, organizer and project manager. Jane Li is the founder of GMI. She holds her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from The University of Hong Kong (passed with Distinction and awarded Madam Lo Ng Kiu Ying Anita Memorial Scholarship), and bachelor’s degree in laws from Fudan University (awarded the Excellent Graduate of the Year 2007). She is the project lead, responsible for conceptualization, direction, and volunteer recruitment. Xiaoyu Wang is a postgraduate who graduated this year with a degree in Environmental Art Design from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA). She contributed to the visual design of this exhibition. She also volunteers at the GlobalMoms Initiative Youth Design Center.   A Global Journey The Mom Story Exhibition  has previously been presented in cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Tianjin. Its arrival in Victoria continues the mission of amplifying mothers’ voices worldwide and building bridges across cultural, generational, and geographic divides. Event Details | Mom Story Exhibition Dates: August 27 – October 13, 2025 Location: Saanich Municipal Hall Gallery, Victoria, BC Admission: Free and open to the public For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact GMI MomStory Exhibition global coordinator Ms. Ziwei Luo through: 📧 [ Vienna.ziwei@gmail.com ] 📞 [7786781055]