Job Opportunities for Migrant Women and At-Risk Youth... Nine Preliminary Social Enterprises Designated

Designated as Women and Family Type Preliminary Social Enterprises... Total 128

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on the 18th that it has designated nine companies providing jobs to migrant women, women with career interruptions, and at-risk youth as 'Preliminary Social Enterprises for Gender Equality and Family.'

This year, from February 25 to March 19, through a public contest for designation as Preliminary Social Enterprises for Gender Equality and Family, nine companies were selected out of 22 applicants through on-site inspections and review committee evaluations. Designated companies will receive support such as employee wage subsidies, professional personnel and market access support, certification transition assistance, and customized consulting.

Since 2012, the Ministry has designated companies with social purposes in the fields of women, family, and youth that have the potential to develop into social enterprises as 'Preliminary Social Enterprises for Gender Equality and Family.' To date, a total of 128 companies have been designated as preliminary social enterprises.

These companies pursue various social objectives, such as providing quality jobs to women with career interruptions and vulnerable groups, offering counseling and education for at-risk youth and families, promoting integration of migrants into local communities and bridging cultural gaps, and ensuring women's health rights through social services.

Among the companies selected this time, Daily Stitch Cooperative provides jobs to women with career interruptions and vulnerable groups and develops and sells textile products using Jeju natural dye fabrics and Jeju patterns to generate income for local residents. Happy Dream Social Cooperative offers social services such as character and career education to students released from juvenile detention centers and at-risk youth.

Kim Jong-mi, Director of the Women's Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, said, "We will actively nurture Preliminary Social Enterprises for Gender Equality and Family so that they can solve various social issues surrounding women and families, provide quality jobs and social services, and improve the quality of life for local residents."