[2023 Women’s Forum] Prime Minister Han Deok-su: "Supporting Women's Growth to Break the Glass Ceiling"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's Congratulatory Speech at the '2023 Women Leaders Forum'
"Technological Innovation and the AI Era Present New Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is delivering a congratulatory speech at the '2023 Women Leaders Forum' hosted by Asia Economy on the 24th at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

"We will support the growth of women to break the glass ceiling in our society and work to improve the culture of inequality and discrimination."

On the 24th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated this in his congratulatory speech at the '2023 Women Leaders Forum' held at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong. He said, "Since 2012, the Women Leaders Forum has been breaking down old boundaries and creating new values by sharing experiences and wisdom across various fields."

Prime Minister Han said, "The era of technological innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) will present new opportunities for women entrepreneurs," adding, "The transition to an advanced technology-centered industrial structure and the diversity of work styles such as flexible work and telecommuting will bring significant changes to women's participation in economic activities."

He also said, "As women's employment becomes more active in the future, it will be a great driving force to increase our economy's productivity and vitality," and added, "We will strive to resolve structural problems in the labor market to reduce the gender wage gap and to expand women's representation in various fields."

[Full Text of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s Congratulatory Speech]

Congratulations on the twelfth 'Women Leaders Forum.'

I deeply appreciate the efforts of Chairman Hyun Sang-soon of Asia Economy and all the executives and staff who prepared this valuable event.

I extend my congratulations and gratitude to the businesspeople who received the prestigious 'Gender Equality Index Award' today.

Also, congratulations to the women leaders who have been selected as 'Power K-Women' for spreading beneficial values to the world and exerting positive influence.

Since 2012, the Women Leaders Forum has been breaking down old boundaries and creating new values by sharing experiences and wisdom across various fields.

I express my deep respect to the women leaders who have contributed to enhancing the dignity of the Republic of Korea.

Distinguished guests, as our country has joined the ranks of advanced nations worldwide, significant progress has been made in expanding women's social participation and prohibiting gender discrimination.

However, there are still many areas that remain insufficient.

In particular, compared to the size of our economy, women's economic activities are lagging behind.

Even now, the female labor force participation rate remains at the average level of OECD countries, and the gender wage gap is still very high.

The government has made various efforts to expand female managers in the public sector and to resolve gender imbalance within organizations.

However, the proportion of women leaders in companies and various sectors of society is not significantly high.

In the future, as women's employment becomes more active, it will be a great driving force to increase our economy's productivity and vitality.

Moreover, expanding gender equality is very important for the sustainable development of our society.

The government is further strengthening policy support to prevent career interruptions and expand women's economic activities.

We will reduce the burden of caregiving and childcare and expand opportunities for education, training, and reemployment.

To reduce the gender wage gap, we will work to resolve structural problems in the labor market and expand women's representation in various fields.

We will support women's growth to break the glass ceiling in our society and improve the culture of inequality and discrimination.

The theme you are addressing today, technological innovation and the era of artificial intelligence (AI), will provide new opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Until now, the manufacturing-centered industrial structure and long-term labor market structure have been difficult barriers to women's employment.

However, the transition to an advanced technology-centered industrial structure and the diversity of work styles such as flexible work and telecommuting are expected to bring significant changes to women's participation in economic activities.

I expect the women leaders gathered here today to propose good measures to promote women's roles and rights amid these changes.

I give a big round of applause for your dedication and efforts.

Thank you.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.