President Park Geun-hye stressed the role of female financiers in strengthening South Korea's financial sector and boosting growth Wednesday, saying their efforts are crucial to address an array of economic and social challenges facing the nation.

In her video message to a gathering of women financiers in Seoul, Park also called on the participants to make the best use of their abilities to enhance the competitiveness of the high value-added service industry.

"I hope you will put yourselves at the forefront of the efforts to create (financial) services for citizens and revamp the organizational culture based on your sensitivity and empathy," the chief executive said.

Park, in particular, said that to end the "vicious cycle" of the low birthrate and weak growth, more and more women must actively participate in social and economic activities.

"The (Seoul) government will continue to make multifaceted efforts to help women maintain a work-family balance so that they do not have to quit their jobs and lose their (professional) capabilities," the president said.

The gathering was hosted by the local economic newspaper e-Today and the Korea Network of Women in Finance. It served as a venue to discuss female professionals' role in revitalizing the economy.  (Yonhap)