Gyeongnam Office of Education, 'Reflecting on the Meaning of International Women's Day'

Park Jong-hoon, an educator in Gyeongnam, is handing out flowers to female employees on their way to work in celebration of International Women's Day. (Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Sharon] On the morning of the 8th, the Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education held a surprise event in front of the central entrance of the Office of Education to celebrate 'International Women's Day,' giving roses and bread to female employees as they arrived at work.

Baskets containing roses and bread were placed at the central entrances of both the main office and the second office building so that female employees could take them.

In particular, the roses symbolized sharing the difficulties faced by flower farmers due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and the bread was supplied by social enterprises, embodying the meaning of coexistence and cooperation with the local community.

Superintendent Park Jong-hoon said, "International Women's Day is a day when men and women commemorate and act together to eliminate unfair discrimination, guarantee the rights of the vulnerable, and realize a democracy where everyone is equal. I hope we create a culture of respecting and valuing each other."

Female employees expressed joy at the surprise event, saying, "Thanks to this meaningful gift, we started the day feeling fulfilled."

International Women's Day was established to commemorate the day on March 8, 1908, when 15,000 female workers in the United States protested demanding political equality, the right to form labor unions, and wage increases. The slogan shouted by American female workers during the street march 113 years ago was "Give us bread and roses." Bread represented the survival rights of female workers, and roses symbolized suffrage, which had been granted only to men.