New Zealand Embassy celebrates Women's World Cup in Seoul

New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Dawn Bennet speaks during a reception celebrating the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand at her residence in Seoul, Aug. 9. Courtesy of Embassy of New Zealand in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

As the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 approaches its conclusion this Sunday, with a first-time-ever champion to be crowned in the highly anticipated final match, the Embassy of New Zealand in Seoul organized a reception to celebrate the ongoing trans-Tasman Women's World Cup.

New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Dawn Bennet welcomed guests, including Korea Football Association Vice President Lee Seok-jae and ambassadors from countries participating in the World Cup, to the reception at her residence in central Seoul's Yongsan District, Aug. 9.

The ambassador highlighted New Zealand's leading role in promoting gender equality.

"Ever since becoming the first country in the world to allow women to vote, New Zealand has been at the forefront of gender equality, and sports is no different," Bennet said.

"In the past year, New Zealand has hosted both the Women's Cricket and Rugby World Cups. These events have drawn in huge crowds, by New Zealand standards, to enjoy and marvel at the skills and competitive spirit demonstrated by the participating teams. And the world has also watched enthusiastically, through international media coverage."

She said this year's Women's World Cup has elevated this enthusiasm to new heights, both in her own country and across what locals refer to as "the ditch," or the Tasman Sea, in Australia. Counsellor Ben Davey from the Australian Embassy also attended the event representing the co-host of the Women's World Cup.

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 began with an opening match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, and the grand finale is now eagerly awaited, scheduled to take place this Sunday at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

"So far the cup has been full of historic moments, highlight reels and drama. Sports has long had the ability to unify people. This has been in full display during the FIFA Women's World Cup. Who can forget, for example, the image of the English players consoling the Nigerian goalkeeper after she had just lost a hard-fought match by penalty shootout?" the ambassador said.

"For countries such as Vietnam, Haiti and Panama, this is the first time they have competed at the football World Cup. For others such as New Zealand, Zambia and the Philippines, this World Cup has seen them record their first-ever wins."

Ambassador Bennet also noted the record-breaking viewership and crowds, using these achievements to refute those who continue to dismiss women's sports. "Girls can impress us all on the sports field too," she said.