[News Space=Reporter seungwon lee] The Korean Women's Association (Chairman Heo Myeong) held the 60th National Women's Convention with the theme of 'The Era of Gender Equality, Women Together' at 1:30 PM on November 18th at the 3rd floor auditorium of COEX in Seoul.

The National Women's Convention, now in its 60th year, is a representative national women's event that has been a part of the history of women's social participation and empowerment in Korea since its inaugural event in 1962. This year, in particular, commemorates the 60th National Women's Convention and the 80th anniversary of liberation, upholding the spirit of women independence activists and proclaiming a vision for an era of gender equality.

This year's National Women's Convention was attended by approximately 1,200 people, including members of 54 member organizations of the Korean Women's Association, members of 17 city and provincial women's associations across the country, distinguished guests from home and abroad, foreign ambassadors to Korea, and women leaders from across the country, adding to the significance of the convention.

The event was attended by key figures from various fields, including Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyung, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, People Power Party senior supreme council member Shin Dong-wook, People Power Party Central Women's Committee Chairwoman Seo Myung-ok, National Assembly Planning and Finance Committee Chairwoman Lim I-ja, TV Chosun CEO Joo Yong-joong, and Presidential Secretary for Gender Equality and Family Jeong Jeong-ok, who encouraged female leaders across the country.

In particular, around 20 ambassadors and diplomatic envoys from various countries, including Ambassador Michelle Wintraup of Ireland to Korea, Ambassador Dawn Bennett of New Zealand to Korea, Ambassador Georg Wilfried Schmidt of Germany to Korea, and Ambassador Eva Rusek of Austria to Korea, attended the event to celebrate the 60th National Women's Convention.

At the first Women's Awards Ceremony, awards were presented to individuals who contributed to the development of our society and the advancement of women's rights.

The Yongshin Service Award was given to Lee Hyang-ae, president of the Seongbuk-gu Medical Association, who has been providing medical service for 54 years as an orthopedic specialist. The 'Woman of the Year Award' was given to Kang Kyung-hee, editor-in-chief of the Chosun Ilbo, the first female editor-in-chief in the 105-year history of the Chosun Ilbo. The First Woman Award was given to Professor Cho Eun-ae of KAIST, a female leader in the field of engineering who is leading the way in achieving carbon neutrality and developing the hydrogen economy. The Female Journalist Award was given to Lee Jeong-eun, deputy editor-in-chief of the Dong-A Ilbo editorial department, who has been providing in-depth reporting on politics, diplomacy, and economics for 26 years.

The Outstanding National Assembly Member Award, given to a member of the National Assembly who has carried out outstanding legislative and policy activities for women, went to Lee Su-jin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Mi-ae, a member of the People Power Party.

The Outstanding Local Government Head Award, presented to local government heads who have taken the lead in creating women-friendly cities where women can be safe and happy, was awarded to Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor Kim Jin-tae, Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province Governor Kim Kwan-young, Gimpo Mayor Kim Byeong-soo, and Nonsan Mayor Baek Seong-hyeon.

At the second part of the ceremony, Chairwoman Heo Myung stated, "For the past 60 years, the Korean Women's Association has worked tirelessly to advance women's rights and realize a gender-equal society." She added, "This year, as we mark the 80th anniversary of liberation, let us open the future of a unified Republic of Korea through the wisdom and inclusiveness of our women." She continued, "Going forward, the Korean Women's Association will continue to lead the way in creating a harmonious, stable, and happy society by completely resolving gender-based conflicts."

President Lee Jae-myung's wife, Kim Hye-kyung, said in a video message, "On the 80th anniversary of liberation, we look back on the dedication of our female predecessors and will support women who are at the center of innovation and change today so that they can confidently speak out and play a central role in all sectors of society." She added, "I hope you will work hard to create a society where anyone can pursue their dreams and capabilities, regardless of gender, age, or background."

This year, in particular, marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, the late Governor Park Soon-yi, a first-generation Hawaiian immigrant who diligently donated her hard-earned earnings to the independence movement, received the "6080 Special Award." Governor Park Soon-yi's granddaughter visited Korea at the invitation of the Korean Women's Associations United to accept the award on her grandmother's behalf at this year's National Women's Convention.

The Korean Women's Associations United will continue to uncover female independence activists who have been overlooked in history and actively work to ensure they receive the honors and recognition they deserve. Furthermore, we will continue to promote related projects to widely publicize the noble dedication and love of female independence activists for their country and ensure their achievements are properly recorded and passed down in our society.

Next, resolutions were read and slogans were chanted to achieve sustainable development and a fair society in our society, including achieving gender equality, responding to the climate crisis, eliminating the gender wage gap, overcoming the low birth rate, and expanding women's political participation.