By Rachel Lee
Philippines Ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez hosted a forum at his residence in Seoul on March 23 to celebrate National Women’s Month.
With the theme “We Make Change Work for Women,” the discussion focused on women’s role in galvanizing change in an otherwise traditionally male-dominated society.
More than 60 Filipinas as well as female officials, staff and Korean employees at the embassy attended.
Two notable Korean personalities — Sohn Jie-ae, a visiting professor at Ewha Womans University and former Arirang TV CEO; and Jasmine Lee, the first Filipina and naturalized Korean to win a National Assembly seat — were among the guests.
Sandara Park, a K-pop artist who started her showbiz career in the Philippines, was also present.
The ambassador highlighted women’s positive and central role in social development.
“Gender equality is crucial and essential for nation building,” he said.
Hernandez also encouraged women not to allow themselves to be left behind, but instead take an “active role in bringing about positive change through meaningful engagements.”
Guest speakers also candidly shared their experiences on balancing family life and careers, as well as their roles as forces of social transformation.
The Philippines has been narrowing the gender gap in recent years, with data from last year’s World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report putting the Philippines seventh out of 144 countries surveyed, according to the embassy.