‘The Power of Gyeongbuk Women, A New Future’... 25th Anniversary of Gyeongbuk Women's Policy Think Tank, Women's Policy Development Institute Opening

Seminar Held on the Theme "Work, Life, Rest: The Center of Happiness, New Opportunities"

Gyeongbuk Women's Policy Development Institute 25th Anniversary Seminar Poster. [Image source: Gyeongbuk Women's Policy Development Institute]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwiyeol] On the afternoon of the 29th, Gyeongbuk Province held the 25th anniversary celebration of the Gyeongbuk Women’s Policy Development Institute at the main auditorium of the Gyeongbuk Women and Family Plaza.

The ceremony, under the theme “The Power of Gyeongbuk Women, A New Future,” looked back on the growth and changes over the past 25 years through a commemorative video and shared the vision for the next 25 years.

The event was attended by about 400 people, including Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Park Young-seo, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Council, National Assembly member Jo Myung-hee, university presidents, provincial council members, heads of women’s and social organizations, and local women.

The first part of the ceremony proceeded with the opening and national anthem, followed by opening remarks from Director Ha Geum-sook, congratulatory speeches from Governor Lee Cheol-woo and Vice Chairman Park Young-seo, congratulatory messages from key figures, and a keynote lecture by National Assembly member Jo Myung-hee on the theme “The Power of Gyeongbuk Women, A New Future.”

The second part featured a seminar titled “Work, Life, Rest: The Center of Happiness, Towards New Opportunities,” with a keynote presentation by Jang Myung-seon, Director of the Gender Equality Education Promotion Institute. Panelists included Kim Nan-joo, Research Fellow at the Korean Women’s Policy Institute, Kim Yong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Research Institute, and Kim Su-yeon, Researcher at the Gyeongbuk Women’s Policy Development Institute, who discussed the current status and future directions of work-life balance policies.

As part of the 25th anniversary side events, 16 organizations and companies participated in promotional and experience booths for this year’s Maker Festival, Gyeongbuk Women’s Social Economy Festival, and the family-friendly public-private council, providing various experiences, attractions, and food, enhancing the event atmosphere.

The Gyeongbuk Women’s Policy Development Institute was established in December 1997 as the first of its kind among local governments nationwide, greatly influencing the establishment of women and family policy research institutions in other regions. It has focused on enhancing policy implementation through field-oriented research, becoming a cradle for low birthrate and women’s family policies.

Additionally, it has played a hub role connecting women to happiness through work and companies to good talent by providing capacity-building education for women visiting 330 towns, townships, and neighborhoods, as well as supporting employment and entrepreneurship for women with career interruptions.

Through this commemorative event, the Gyeongbuk Women’s Policy Development Institute expects to take a further leap as a women and family policy institution preparing new alternatives to the crises faced by Gyeongbuk, such as low birthrate, aging population, and regional extinction.

In her opening remarks, Director Ha Geum-sook said, “I sincerely thank everyone who has worked hard for a gender-equal and happy Gyeongbuk where work, life, and rest are harmonized, building on the 25 years of history and achievements of the Gyeongbuk Women’s Policy Development Institute.” She added, “We will continue to focus on innovative growth reflecting the spirit of the work-life balance era and strive to become a think tank designing a better future for women and families in Gyeongbuk.”

Governor Lee Cheol-woo, in his congratulatory speech, said, “I sincerely congratulate you on the 25th anniversary. You have played a vital role as a catalyst in promoting social participation of Gyeongbuk women and leading family and care policies.” He urged, “Please continue to play a central role in making Gyeongbuk a land of opportunity by having women actively participate in all areas of society.”