[Press Release]
More than 200 participants from the government, the diplomatic community, the private sector, and academic and research institutions gathered at the International Women's Day commemorative event, hosted by UN Women Centre of Excellence for Gender Equality. Photo: UN Women/Hwang Chang Kyu
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Seoul, Republic of Korea — On 8 March 2024, the UN Women Centre of Excellence for Gender Equality in the Republic of Korea (the Centre) convened its second International Women's Day celebration at Hotel Westin Josun in Seoul, marking a significant gathering of over 200 participants from the Government, diplomatic community, private sector, and academic and research institutions. The event aimed to highlight and discuss the critical imperative of investing in women and girls, affirming unwavering support for UN Women's mission.
Aligned with the theme of the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), this year's International Women's Day theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," underscores the global commitment to advancing gender equality. CSW, the largest UN meeting dedicated to the gender equality agenda, is scheduled from 11 to 22 March, with attendance expected from thousands worldwide.
In her opening remarks, Director Jeongshim Lee expressed pride in hosting the annual gathering, emphasizing its growth from the previous year and the collective contributions of partners and supporters. Lee remarked, "Your presence contributes to the collective effort to create a more just and sustainable world for future generations."
Jeongshim Lee, Director of UN Women Centre of Excellence for Gender Equality is delivering her opening remarks. Photo: UN Women/Hwang Chang Kyu
Addressing the audience, UN Women’s recently appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the Republic of Korea, Eun Mee Kim, President of Ewha Womans University, provided compelling insights into this year’s theme, citing three reasons why investing in women and girls is pivotal.
Ambassador Tamara Mawhinney of Canada, representing the diplomatic community, focused on the importance of partnering with men for progress in her speech, fittingly acknowledging the significant male representation among the participants.
A special session commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing featured Professor Lee Sang Duk of Woosong University, illustrating successful collaboration between international organizations, the Korean Government, and civil society in catalyzing investment in women three decades ago.
The event included a captivating classical performance by "Ewha Celli” and “Beautiful Mind,” accompanied by a young flutist who is blind. During the group photo, participants raised messages, "Invest In Women" and "Together for Gender Equality," reaffirming the commitment to empower women and girls.
BBC Seoul Correspondent Jean Mackenzie shared critical insights, connecting this year's theme with the issue of Korea's low birthrate, providing her perspective on challenges faced by Korean women. Jaehyong Heo, CEO of Root Impact, the non-profit organization in Korea, concluded the event with a discussion on workplace equity, sharing the transformative impact of the 'Reboot Camp' programme designed to support working mothers.
Established in Seoul in 2022 with support from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family of the Republic of Korea, the Centre, as the first UN entity in the country dedicated to advancing gender equality, has reached around 2,000 participants from 32 countries across Asia and the Pacific in its first year. This year’s IWD Celebration, with diverse participants, highlights the increasing appreciation for UN Women’s presence and the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda, notwithstanding socio-political sensitivities on the gender equality agenda in the country.