UN Women Centre in Seoul Marks its 4th International Women’s Day Commemoration: A Call for Rights, Justice, and Action
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[Press release]
Leaders, diplomats, and experts gathered in Seoul to discuss how stronger systems and inclusive leadership can turn commitments to gender equality into meaningful change.
Seoul, Republic of Korea — The UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre in the Republic of Korea convened around 180 policymakers, diplomats, academics, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives on Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day, observed this year under the global theme “Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women and Girls.”
The event took place against a challenging global backdrop. Women worldwide currently have only 64 per cent of the legal rights afforded to men, while nearly 1 in 4 countries reports backlash against gender equality, according to recent global reviews undertaken in the context of Beijing+30.
Opening the commemoration, Yun Jeong Hwang, Director of the UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre, underscored that gender equality remains an unfinished agenda and demands collective action.
“Women’s rights cannot wait, and justice must be translated into concrete action. Today, we gather not only to reflect on the structural and cultural barriers that women continue to face, but also to celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our shared responsibility to act for a more equal and just world.”
In her congratulatory remarks, Min-Kyong Won, Korea’s Minister of Gender Equality and Family, stressed that gender equality is a universal right, not a privilege.
“Despite the progress made in Korea, significant challenges remain, including gender pay gaps, low labour force participation, and digital and gender-based violence. The government is committed to addressing these issues and building a more inclusive, sustainable society.”
International Women’s Day is a flagship global observance led by UN Women. Since opening in 2022, the Centre has hosted an annual commemoration that brings together leaders from across sectors to reflect on progress and identify pathways forward.
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized that gender equality must not be viewed as a concession granted to women.
“Gender equality is not a favour bestowed upon women,” said Inger Winther Johannsen, a participant. “It is an essential process that strengthens institutions by incorporating diverse perspectives into decision-making, ultimately making organizations healthier, more resilient, and more effective.”
Advancing gender equality across sectors
The programme adopted a TED-inspired format, highlighting the many ways in which progress toward gender equality can take shape.
Junghoon Park, a journalist at OhmyNews and author of “There Is No Such Thing as a ‘Good Enough Man’” (translated title), reflected on how gender equality can also expand possibilities for men by freeing them from restrictive expectations of masculinity.
“For men, gender equality is like removing the cumbersome crown they have been forced to wear.”
Addressing the role of diversity in innovation, Oh Nam Kwon, President of the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies and Professor at Seoul National University, warned about the consequences of excluding women from technological development.
“When diverse perspectives are left out of the design phase of technology, that technology inevitably produces biased results. And when that biased technology becomes the standard for social judgement in hiring, healthcare, and the judiciary, we risk automating discrimination.”
Jung Hee Shin, Chair of the Gender Equality Committee of the Korea Sport & Olympic Committee, stressed that gender equality ultimately requires structural change.
“Gender equality is not simply a women’s issue. It is a governance issue. Moving forward requires structural change, not just individual success stories.”
A call for systemic change
Closing the event, Eun Mee Kim, former UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Korea, underscored the urgency of action.
"Gender equality is a measure of how just and sustainable our society is. Laws and policies must translate into practice, and accountability must follow. Change begins with declarations but it is realized through action. Let us turn today’s insights into solutions."
Reflecting on the power of perseverance, Soojung Kim, attorney at Jihyang Law Firm, reminded participants of the broader impact of individual courage.
“Those who never stop saving themselves can ultimately save the world.”
About UN Women
UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. As the lead UN entity on gender equality, we shift laws, institutions, social behaviours and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls. We keep the rights of women and girls at the centre of global progress—always, everywhere. Because gender equality is not just what we do. It is who we are.
About the UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre
The UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre was established in the Republic of Korea in 2022 in partnership with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. The Centre was founded with a shared mandate to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across Asia and the Pacific. Located in Seoul, the Centre contributes to capacity development, strategic partnerships, and knowledge exchange of best practices and lessons learned.
For more information, please contact:
Jaeeun Lee
External Relations Officer
UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre
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