Minister Won Minkyoung: "A Gender-Equal Perspective to Be Reflected in All Government Policies"

Attending the Women's New Year Meeting
Minister Won: "Strengthening Gender Equality in Everyday Life"
President Lee: "The Role of Women's Organizations Is Crucial"

On the 23rd, Won Minkyoung, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, stated, "We will strengthen the control tower function of gender equality policies to ensure that a gender-equal perspective is reflected in the policies of all ministries."

Minister Won made these remarks while attending the "2026 Women's New Year Meeting" held at the Banking Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the same day. In particular, she emphasized, "We will listen more closely to voices from the field so that people's daily lives become more equal and safe," and added, "We will further strengthen policies so that the effects of gender equality policies can be felt in everyday life."

Won Minkyoung, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is delivering a greeting at the 2026 Women's New Year Meeting held at the Banking Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News

The event was hosted by the Korea Institute for Gender Equality Promotion and Education (KIGEPE). KIGEPE is a public institution under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, whose main work is providing gender equality education and gender awareness education. Kim Samhwa, President of KIGEPE, expressed her ambition, saying, "KIGEPE will take another leap forward as a leading institution in spreading the values of gender equality, so that gender equality can take firm root in everyday life in the era of digital transformation."

President Lee Jaemyung also sent a congratulatory message. President Lee stated, "There are still glass ceilings throughout our society, and Korea's gender equality index remains low among major member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). We can no longer tolerate a situation where opportunities vary depending on gender and where safety and dignity are threatened." He continued, "We will build a society where differences do not become discrimination and diversity is not a reason for exclusion, a community where everyone can live safely and with dignity. Above all, the role of women’s organizations is crucial in this journey," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, various women's organizations, including the Korean National Council of Women and the Korean Women's Associations United, attended the event to discuss the direction of women's policies.