Bilans d’évènement
Promoting Gender Equality in Business: The FKCCI, the French Embassy, and UN Women Unite for a Strategic Dialogue
The French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), in collaboration with the Embassy of France in the Republic of Korea and the UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre in the Republic of Korea organized a high-level conference on gender equality and women’s empowerment on June 18, 2025.
This strategic event brought together business leaders and institutional stakeholders to foster dialogue and accelerate progress toward more inclusive and equitable workplaces in Korea.
The conference opened with remarks by Mr.David-Pierre Jalicon, Chairman of FKCCI, and H.E. Philippe Bertoux, Ambassador of France to Korea, both of whom underscored the critical need to address persistent gender disparities in the labor market.
Mr. Jalicon reaffirmed that gender equality is one of FKCCI’s foundational commitments, especially in Korea where the gender pay gap and professional barriers remain among the most significant within the OECD. “Private-sector actors must take the lead in creating inclusive environments. Beyond compliance, this is a matter of long-term competitiveness and responsibility,” he stated.
Ambassador Bertouxexpressed concern over the structural obstacles many Korean women still face, referencing 2024 statistics showing that 1.2 million married women had left the workforce, 16% of all female employees. He emphasized the importance of collective commitment and reaffirmed France’s strong engagement in supporting gender equality in Korea and worldwide.
The keynote session featured three leading voices: Ms. Ahjung Lee, External Relations Specialist at UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre, Ms. Mina Yoo, General Manager, Luxe Division at L’Oréal Korea and Ms. Yoon-Ju Cho, Managing Director at CEVA Logistics Korea
Ms. Lee emphasized that gender equality must be treated as a universal human right and a strategic priority. She outlined the importance of advancing access to education and employment, adopting inclusive business models, and fostering transparency through public reporting. “Change starts with one conversation,” she reminded the audience. She also gave apresentation on how to utilize the Women’s Empowerment Principles, sharing practical examples from leading companies. She illustrated how the WEPs can be applied to drive gender equality, fight discrimination, and promote family-friendly workplace policies.
Ms. Yoo shared how L’Oréal Korea has embedded diversity and inclusion into its corporate strategy, from the development of inclusive products to internal programs like “Family Day” and fully paid 14-week maternity and paternity leave. “We aim to lead not only in beauty, but in inclusivity,” she stated.
Ms. Cho concluded the session with a powerful call for authenticity and self-confidence, particularly among women. She encouraged participants to challenge restrictive social norms and to lead by example.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session. Speakers and participants explored practical ways companies can champion inclusive leadership and recognize diversity as a key driver of innovation and performance.
Through this event, the FKCCI reasserts its commitment to promoting gender equity as a pillar of sustainable business and responsible growth in Korea and beyond.
