A Platform for Sharing the Value of
"A Gender-Equal Society Where Everyone Is Respected,
A Happy Pohang for All"
Gender Equality Awards Honor Diverse Leaders:
Men, Women, and Companies Recognized for Advancing Equality
Pohang City successfully held the 26th Seo Nyo Cultural Festival at the Pohang Indoor Gymnasium on September 3, in celebration of Gender Equality Week.
Organized by the Pohang City Women's Association Council, this year's event was themed "A Gender-Equal Society Where Everyone Is Respected, A Happy Pohang for All." Over 600 participants, including members of women's organizations and local citizens, reaffirmed their commitment to building a gender-equal society.
The festival consisted of two parts: the first part featured a commemorative ceremony, and the second part focused on unity and harmony. The first part included an opening ceremony, a video presentation highlighting the activities of women's organizations, and awards for gender equality and distinguished service.
The stage program featured a welcoming address by Kim Shinyoung, President of the Pohang City Women's Association Council, a congratulatory speech by Vice Mayor Jang Sangkil, a celebratory message from Kim Ilman, Chairman of the Pohang City Council, a choral performance by the council's executive board, and a special performance pledging to practice gender equality.
A total of three recipients, including individuals and organizations, were honored with the Gender Equality Award: Park Haeja (for promoting women's activities and raising awareness of gender equality), Jin Daeyong (for operating a women-friendly company and creating jobs), and POSCO Humans (for expanding female employment and promoting work-life balance).
The Gender Equality Award, selected through a review by the Pohang City Gender Equality Committee, carried additional significance this year. Unlike in previous years, when the award primarily recognized female recipients, this year's honorees included a male recipient and a company, symbolizing that gender equality is a value to be achieved collectively by both men and society as a whole, not just women.
In addition, one couple received the Equal Partnership Award, and 15 individuals were recognized for their contributions to gender equality, honoring the often-unseen efforts of those who have helped spread a culture of equality. The event also featured a performance delivering a message of gender equality and a choral performance by members of the Women's Association Council, fostering empathy and unity among attendees.
The second part of the festival included interactive programs such as an arts festival by women's organizations and a gender equality O/X quiz, encouraging participation across generations and groups.
Various booths were set up in the event lobby, attracting citizens with displays and activities including women's job promotion, exhibitions on preventing violence against women, information on childcare support policies, climate change education, health check-up services, campaigns to eradicate illegal filming and stalking, traditional tea ceremony experiences, and a women's flea market.
Kim Shinyoung, President of the Pohang City Women's Association Council, stated, "The Seo Nyo Cultural Festival is a meaningful occasion that helps embed gender equality into daily life through the participation and solidarity of Pohang's women. We will continue to lead efforts to practice and spread equality at home, in the workplace, and throughout everyday life."
Vice Mayor Jang Sangkil emphasized, "Gender equality is a fundamental value for the sustainable development of society as a whole. The actions and dedication we demonstrate today will spread throughout Pohang, helping us build a city where every citizen is respected and happy in a gender-equal environment."
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