SEOUL, 16 March 2016 - In celebration of this year's National Women's Month, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez, organized a dinner reception for some 50 Filipino women representing the different sectors in Korean society.

The event, held at the Ambassador's Official Residence in Seongbuk-gu, was an opportunity for Filipina leaders to celebrate their achievements in their chosen fields. It featured an informal discussion from two special guests: Col. Maria P. Eoff, Commander of the U.S. Army Garrison in Yongsan, and Ms. Heekyung Jo Min, Executive Vice President of CJ Corporation.

Col. Eoff and Ms. Jo Min led the discussion which centered mainly on women empowerment and gender equality in male-dominated industries. The two speakers candidly shared their experiences to the participants about the challenges and rewards of balancing career and family life, as well as women's key role in social transformation.

Ambassador Hernandez, for his part, also underscored women's central role in social development and how gender equality is critical and essential for inclusive growth and nation-building. He also highlighted the steady progress which the Philippines has been making in recent years in terms of narrowing gender gaps.

"Gender equality and women empowerment need to be fought with great determination, and not by women alone, but by both men and women working together for equality in our society where every human being is able to achieve her potential and is able to significantly contribute to nation-building." the Ambassador said.

Following the talk by Col. Eoff and Ms. Jo Min, who is also Executive Director of the Global Common Shared Value (CSV) of CJ Corp., the 14th largest Korean conglomerate, participants were given a chance to field their questions. The formal program was followed by a buffet dinner, featuring popular Filipino dishes such as kare-kare and pansit.