세계 여성의 날 메시지
“성평등 결실이 모두의 삶에 골고루 스며들길”
이재명 대통령이 지난 5일 청와대 영빈관에서 열린 밀라노o코르티나 동계올림픽 선수단 격려 오찬에서 발언하고 있다. 청와대사진기자단
President Lee Jae-myung marked International Women’s Day on March 8 by acknowledging a recent period of setbacks for gender equality initiatives. The President stated that policies promoting equality were scaled back during the previous administration, which had proposed dissolving the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
Lee shared his thoughts in a post on his X account, stating, “A society where difference does not become discrimination, and where difference is not a reason for exclusion.” He added, “Every year on this day, we reflect on the arduous journey of those who have strived to expand women’s rights, and revisit the tasks facing our society in the pursuit of gender equality.”
This year’s observance of International Women’s Day holds particular significance, the President noted, as it is the first following his recent impeachment. He similarly highlighted the recognition of women who united in protest during the 2024 crisis, who were awarded the “Women’s Movement Award” by the Korean Women’s Organizations United.
According to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, the commemoration of International Women’s Day dates back to the 1920s with activists like Na Hye-seok and Park In-deok. However, these early observances were suppressed during Japanese colonial rule, and the tradition was revived in 1985 with the first Korean Women’s Congress.
Addressing the previous administration’s attempts to dismantle the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and curtail gender equality policies, President Lee affirmed his commitment to building “a society where difference does not become discrimination, and where difference is not a reason for exclusion, so that everyone can live safely and with dignity.”
The President also referenced the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ stating, “I sincerely hope that the fruits of gender equality that we cultivate together will permeate the lives of all Koreans – women and men, across generations and social classes.”
