Diplomatic Envoys from Six Countries Gather for the 2025 International Women’s Day Forum
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2025-03-13
The 2025 International Women’s Day Forum was held on Wednesday, March 12, at Snowflake Square Hall, Sookmyung Women’s University. The ceremony welcomed diplomatic representatives from six countries.
This year, Sookmyung Women’s University hosted the forum under the theme “Beyond Equality: Accelerating Action in Diversity & Inclusion.” Diplomats from six nations shared their experiences and insights on advancing gender equality and fostering inclusive societies.
(From left), Ida Daussy, Professor of French Language and Culture; Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines; Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, Ambassador of Norway; Michelle Winthrop, Ambassador of Ireland; H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic; Emmy Jerono Kipsoi, Ambassador of Kenya; Choi Jai-chul, Chairman of the Climate Change Center; Bertrand Jadot, Premier Counselor at the French Embassy in Korea
The forum’s panel included Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines; Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, Ambassador of Norway; Michelle Winthrop, Ambassador of Ireland; H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic; Emmy Jerono Kipsoi, Ambassador of Kenya; Choi Jai-chul, Chairman of the Climate Change Center and former Ambassador to France, and Bertrand Jadot, Premier Counselor at the French Embassy in Korea. The discussion was moderated by Professor Jeon Se-jae (Department of English Language and Literature), with Professor Ida Daussy (Department of French Language and Culture) serving as the panel chair.
In her welcome address, President Moon Si-yeun stated, “This forum is a chance for us to exchange ideas and collaborate on promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. This year’s theme, "Beyond Equality," calls for breaking barriers that hinder women’s potential and realizing systemic changes that ensure tangible opportunities.”
The panel held an in-depth discussion in areas such as the role of governments in achieving genuine equality, media and education policies that foster inclusive societies, and strategies to nurture future generations as global citizens with a strong foundation in diversity and inclusion.
During the discussion, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega of the Philippines stated, “Governments must establish close partnerships across both the public and private sectors to eliminate the gender gap. The Philippines provides gender-awareness training to tackle stereotypes and has introduced guidelines to protect women in the media industry, including film.” Meanwhile, Ireland Ambassador Winthrop noted, “Ireland has enacted hate crime legislation to send a clear message that discrimination will not be tolerated at a societal level.”
(From left), H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic; Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, Ambassador of Norway; Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines; Michelle Winthrop, Ambassador of Ireland; Moon Si-yeun, President of Sookmyung Women’s University; Emmy Jerono Kipsoi, Ambassador of Kenya; Choi Jai-chul, Chairman of the Climate Change Center; Ida Daussy, Professor of French Language and Culture; Bertrand Jadot, Premier Counselor at the French Embassy in Korea
The forum also highlighted the critical role of education in realizing gender equality. Ambassador Kipsoi of Kenya stated, “Governments must actively implement affirmative action and supportive policies that for women to overcome cultural biases and stereotypes that limit access to education.” Czech Republic Ambassador Ivan Jančárek added, “The Czech Republic incorporates gender equality education into its curriculum and provides financial support to ensure mobility rights and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”
Chairman Choi Jai-chul of the Climate Change Center added his advice, saying, “While Korea has institutional mechanisms to promote equality, societal resistance and systemic barriers remain. However, K-content has the potential to enhance inclusivity both within and outside Korea, particularly by shaping younger generations through social media.”