Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik has called for ending "male-centered prejudices" against women, stressing Wednesday that women are a key workforce in South Korea's aging society and female entrepreneurs have proven highly competent.
Kim made the remark in a speech at the opening ceremony of a meeting of the World Association of Women Entrepreneurs. The meeting took place in the southwestern port city of Yeosu where the World Expo is scheduled to kick off later this week.
"Male-centered prejudices, which obstruct women's development, still remain in many corners of our society. We have to improve these perceptions and change culture," Kim said, stressing that women such as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have demonstrated great leadership.
"Studies have also proven companies with more female executives produce more profits," he said.
Expanding women's roles in society is crucial not only to provide them with equal opportunities, but also because females are a key workforce in an aging society with a low birthrate, Kim said.
"Our country is putting in a lot of efforts to help women develop their capabilities and increase their social participation," he said. (Yonhap)