Congratulatory remarks by First Lady Kwon Yang-suk at the 2007 World Women’s Forum
I am very pleased to meet you all. I thank Ms. Mayumi Moriyama, Member of the House of Representative of Japan, for giving a great speech. As the World Women’s Forum takes its first step, many renowned people are here today. I welcome all the women leaders and other distinguished quests from around the world.
The three-day World Women’s Forum will serve as a valuable arena for friendship and unity among women around the world. It will be very rewarding to share interests common to women everywhere and discuss new development strategies.
I am very happy that this meaningful event is being held in Seoul. I wholeheartedly thank the Founding Board and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation for their great efforts in preparing this forum.
Distinguished guests,
The history of civilization is at an unprecedented turning point. As democracy spreads, personal freedom, human rights and equality have become universal values. The wave of globalization and the spread of information capabilities are tearing down barriers between people as well as between nations.
The leading players as well as the pace and nature of this transformation are changing. Women who are equipped with a discerning perspective as well as creative and flexible leadership qualities are emerging as torchbearers in this new age.
Female entrepreneurs account for 30 percent of the total worldwide. An increasing number of women are rising to leadership positions in diverse areas such as politics, the media, culture and the arts.
Around the world, many countries are exerting every effort to come up with strategies to develop female resources. The competitiveness and future of a nation depend on whether it can make the best use of the potential of women.
Korea is no exception. Over the past years, women’s place in society has undergone much change and evolution. In particular, since its launch in 2003, the Roh Moo-hyun Administration has made all-out efforts to empower women and realize a gender-equal society. For the first time, a female Prime Minister and Minister of Justice were appointed. The budget for childcare has been significantly increased in an effort to relieve families of this burden, which has inhibited women’s ability to take part in civic and social affairs.
The Government has introduced a “Gender Impact Analysis” and a “Gender Sensitive Budget” to ensure that gender equality is applied to policy implementation and budgeting. The United Nations chose Korea as a model case, recognizing our efforts in protecting the rights of women such as the enforcement of the law against prostitution.
Above all, the abolishment of the patriarchal family head system was an invaluable accomplishment laying the foundation for the establishment of egalitarian families.
Korea will continue to make efforts to expand the participation of women and realize a gender-equal society. In addition, the Government will provide unsparing support for international exchanges and cooperation among female leaders.
Honorable women leaders,
At the turn of the 21st century, we had a hope that a global community of peace and coexistence would be realized. However, our neighbors in many corners of the world are still suffering from war, terror, poverty and diseases. The socially weak, including children and, in many cases, women are still discriminated against and excluded. Environmental issues such as global warming and climate change are adding uncertainty to the future.
Obviously, all these issues cannot be fully addressed only with science, technology and economic development. Women should gather their wisdom and power to create a more peaceful tomorrow for the global community.
In this respect, the World Women’s Forum being held under the theme of “Defining Women Leadership and Success” is all the more meaningful. By sharing success stories and discussing cooperative strategies, this forum should make great contributions to peace and coprosperity in the global community.
I sincerely hope that the World Women’s Forum will develop into a venue of solidarity and cooperation among women around the world.
I hope you have a rewarding and enjoyable stay in Korea.
Thank you.
웹사이트: http://www.president.go.kr
올인원 PR 플랫폼
기자 검색부터 배포·모니터링까지 한 곳에서 끝내세요
-
2008년 8월 6일 17:22
관련 분야
