On Single-Parent Family Day, Minister Jeong Young-ae Urges "Elimination of Social Prejudice"

Minister Jeong: "Single-parent families' average monthly income is half that of all households"
"Hope stereotypes disappear and they can live a life of respect"

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Jeong Young-ae visited the single-parent self-reliance store "BomB Salon" located in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 4th, where she looked around sugar crafts made directly by single parents.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Jung Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, announced on May 10th, on the occasion of Single-Parent Family Day, that tailored support will be strengthened to help single-parent families be respected as members of society.

On the 9th, Minister Jung released a message for Single-Parent Family Day, saying, "Just as it takes a whole village to raise a child, single-parent families need more hands and care." The government designated May 10th as Single-Parent Family Day in 2018.

Minister Jung explained, "There are 1.53 million single-parent households, accounting for 7% of all households, but the average monthly income of single-parent families is only about half that of all households. Single parents, who must bear both livelihood and child-rearing responsibilities, are facing increased economic difficulties due to job losses amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic."

Minister Jung said, "The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is making multifaceted efforts to alleviate the difficulties of single-parent families who are in blind spots due to economic hardship and caregiving challenges, and to eliminate discrimination and prejudice in daily life." The ministry provides additional childcare expenses to young single parents and supports single-parent families with public rental housing. Administrative measures such as driver's license suspension and public disclosure of names are also being prepared for non-custodial parents who fail to pay child support.

Minister Jung stated, "What makes life difficult for single-parent families is not only the hardships of child-rearing and economic difficulties, but also the social prejudices embedded in how single-parent families are viewed in our daily lives."

She continued, "One step by ten people is a stronger foundation for creating an inclusive social culture than ten steps by one person. If our society takes interest in and supports efforts to eliminate prejudice against single-parent families, we can build a society that embraces diverse family forms."

Minister Jung added, "I hope that fixed stereotypes about single-parent families will disappear under the warm spring sunshine and that they can enjoy a life respected in everyday life. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will carefully ensure that all forms of families are respected without discrimination and protected by policies."