1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha had a video conference on the theme of “COVID19 and Women: Avenues for Action” with female foreign ministers of other countries on April 16, and discussed gender equality and the role of women in responding to COVID-19.

o The meeting, hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Arancha González Laya, brought together female foreign ministers of nine countries, including the Republic of Korea, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Republic of Indonesia, and the Kingdom of Sweden.

2. Minister Kang expressed concern over the social and economic difficulties that women around the world are experiencing due to COVID-19. She stressed the need for the international community’s joint efforts to deal with them, and explained the ROK’s related efforts.

o Minister Kang emphasized that in the process of tackling COVID-19, it is important for each country to consider women’s meaningful participation, enhanced protection and support, and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable groups.

o In particular, Minister Kang explained that the ROK is taking disease control measures through preemptive and proactive diagnostic tests, and implementing various support measures to reduce women’s childcare and housework burden and maintain employment.

3. The female foreign ministers assessed that the ROK is showing an exemplary case of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis; shared respective countries’ efforts to protect and support women as a vulnerable group, and ensure gender equality in the process of responding to the spread of COVID-19; and exchanged views on ways to work together.

o The participating ministers agreed to continue close communication and collaboration to increase women’s role and empower women in the course of tackling COVID-19.