In an event commemorating International Women's Day Saturday, the European Union delegation to Korea highlighted women's roles in security and defense.

Hosting an event under the theme “Towards More Resilient and Secure Democracies: Women in Security and Defense,” experts from South Korea and the EU highlighted the role of gender-responsive policies in strengthening democratic stability and resilience.

Moderated by Estonian Ambassador to Korea Sten Schwede, the event referenced EU-ROK Security and Defense partnership signed in November 2024. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

Under Frameworks 38 and 39 of the agreement, EU and South Korea pledge to implement the Women, Peace and Security Action agenda, integrating gender equality into security cooperation, and exchange best practices to enhance joint responses to geopolitical challenges.

Aligned with the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution or UNSCR 1325, the delegation reaffirmed commitment to integrating gender equality into its Common Security and Defense Policy.

Adopted on 31 October 2000, UNSCR 1325 calls for increased women's participation in peace and security efforts and urges measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in conflict.

According to the EU delegation office, the year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the resolution’s adoption, and the EU continues to promote gender-responsive security policies and women’s participation in crisis management and peacebuilding efforts through its WPS action plan.

The plan sets participation and gender mainstreaming ― the integration of gender equality into policies, programs and services ― as well as leadership, prevention, protection and relief and recovery as six key objectives.

Delivering remarks ahead of the event, Maria Castillo Fernandez, EU ambassador to Korea, underscored the importance of gender-responsive policies in security and defense. Gender-responsive policies address the different needs and priorities of all people regardless of their sex.

“Ensuring women’s full participation in security and defense decision-making is not just a matter of representation — it is a matter of strategic necessity," said Fernandez.

She emphasized that inclusive democracies require all voices, noting that gender-responsive policies boost effectiveness, trust in institutions and sustainable peace.

“Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to conflict resolution, peacebuilding and crisis management,” said the ambassador, advocating for amplifying inclusive, equitable and capable solutions to address evolving security challenges of the present.

Meanwhile, the event also highlighted Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia and the Indo-Pacific (ESIWA+), by examining challenges, successes and opportunities in advancing women’s participation in these fields.

ESIWA+ is an EU project that aims to enhance EU security and defense cooperation in counterterrorism, crisis management, cybersecurity and maritime security.

The project is co-funded by the European Commission, the German Federal Foreign Office and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.