Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin emphasized on September 2 that "gender equality is an important value for ensuring that all citizens are respected without discrimination and have access to fair opportunities."
In his remarks, Mayor Shin presented gender equality as a core value and expressed his commitment to enhancing tailored support based on family structures and living conditions, as well as strengthening women's socio-economic independence.
On this day, Mayor Shin attended the '2026 Gender Equality Week Commemoration Ceremony,' where he congratulated honorees and award winners from a competition, while highlighting the significance of gender equality and the policy direction of Seongnam City.
The ceremony, themed 'Gender Equality with Seongnam: Broader and Deeper,' was attended by over 600 participants, including members of women's organizations and citizens.
In his congratulatory speech, Mayor Shin stated, "I congratulate the honorees who have worked hard in their respective roles for the advancement of gender equality and the award winners who conveyed the value of gender equality through innovative ideas."
He specifically defined gender equality not just as a women's policy but as a governance value that enhances fair opportunities and quality of life for all citizens.
Mayor Shin noted, "Seongnam City is strengthening a tailored family support system to ensure that multicultural families, single-parent families, youth parents, and single-person households are not left behind, while continuing to enhance women's safety nets and support for reemployment of women with career breaks."
This approach aims to expand support considering various family structures and life cycles of citizens, thereby promoting gender equality policies that citizens can feel in their daily lives.
The event featured various programs to share the value of gender equality with citizens. It began with congratulatory performances, followed by awards for gender equality and women's development honorees, as well as a gender equality content competition.
The ceremony also included a play and performances centered on gender equality. The city hall lobby was equipped with photo zones and promotional booths for citizen participation, and the award-winning entries from the gender equality content competition were displayed, adding significance to the event.
Attendees expressed that gender equality should not remain a mere slogan but should translate into policies that can be felt in daily life, including family, workplace, safety, and caregiving.
One citizen remarked, "Gender equality is not just an issue for women; it is about respecting each other and having equal opportunities in families, workplaces, and communities. I hope policies that carefully consider the situations of diverse families and citizens continue to expand."
Another citizen stated, "It is important for citizens raising children or looking to restart their careers to receive actual support. I hope policies like reemployment support for women with career breaks and family assistance become more widely known and utilized on the ground."
Citizens visiting the event reflected on the meaning of gender equality while exploring the award-winning entries and experience booths, creating a space where citizens and administration work together to foster a culture of gender equality.
Mayor Shin added, "In the future, under the vision of 'Seongnam, the Standard of Korea,' we will create a city where citizens can fully realize their capabilities and dreams."
Meanwhile, Mayor Shin plans to enhance the effectiveness of gender equality policies through tailored support that respects family structures and diverse lives, strengthening women's safety nets and supporting the social reintegration of women with career breaks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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