By Xu Aiying and Yoon Hee Young

President Moon Jae-in on March 8 said on the occasion of International Women's Day, "Thinking about modern Korean history in which women, including the now elderly comfort women victims, had harder lives, I have respect for all women who worked resolutely to raise their status."

The president said this in a message marking the occasion on his social media in both Korean and English.

"UN Women designated 'Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world' as the theme of this year's 'International Women's Day,'" he said. "When more women can work in a greater variety of positions without career interruptions, an inclusive recovery and leap forward will also accelerate."

"The Government will lead by example and continue to raise its goals."

He added, "We will create a world where women can play the role of leaders with equal rights in every field."

The chief executive concluded his message by saying, "Even amid the difficulties caused by COVID-19, women have been acting as a buttress to surmount the crisis and have borne a greater share of pain," adding, "I am deeply grateful to them and also feel a sense of heavy responsibility."

xuaiy@korea.kr