Quentin Bryce, the Governor-General of Australia, visited Ewha campus on Feb. 26.
Governor Bryce visited Ewha to attend the “Roundtable with the Governer-General of Australia” with President Kim Sun-uk and women leaders, which was later followed by a short interview session.
“I am very happy to be here at Ewha today, and I greatly enjoyed the discussion with high profile Korean women,” Bryce said. “Furthermore, as education is the most significant achievement of the women working in Australia, it is a particular honor for me to be here at this distinguished university which has grown, developed and educated the women first of this country.”
At the interview, Bryce addressed her perspectives on what it means to be a woman in society.
She also shared personal details as not only a Governor-General, but also as a mother of five.
“I think balance between work and family is a very serious issue for women,” Bryce said. “Dialogue with men is also important as it is not fair for women to be burdened with too many responsibilities.”
Bryce also added her prospective on Korean women who are not as active in society as those in Australia.
“[The situation] will change,” Bryce said. “I have seen the strength, talents and abilities of outstanding women here in Korea. I am very confident that there will be more women in various fields.”
When faced with a glass ceiling, Bryce says that asking for support is important.
“[Support] is what the women’s movement has been about; that is what the sisterhood and solidarity mean,” Bryce said.On a final note, Bryce stressed the importance of women taking care of their health.
“It is crucial for women to take good care of themselves – to look after their health and to leave time for refreshment of mind, body and spirit,” Bryce said.
President Kim reflected upon the visit of Bryce as a positive opportunity for both Ewha and its students.
“It is meaningful that Ewha is always the first place that female leaders around the world visit when they come to Korea,” president Kim said. “From this point on, I hope Ewha students can also achieve outstanding results and step into the world stage.”