Minister Won Minkyung Vows to Build a Stronger Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

Inauguration on the 10th
"Strengthening Gender Equality Policies Demanded by Society... Committed to Communication and Listening"

Won Minkyung, the newly appointed Minister of Gender Equality and Family, emphasized on the 10th that she will "build a stronger Ministry of Gender Equality and Family based on communication, listening, and cooperation."

At the inauguration ceremony held at the Government Complex Seoul that day, Minister Won stated, "I am standing here with the wishes of countless people I have met in the field of women's rights protection over the past 25 years engraved in my heart," expressing her commitment.

Won Minkyoung, the newly appointed Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is attending the inauguration ceremony held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 10th, taking the oath. 2025.9.10 Photo by Cho Yongjun

She continued, "I will move forward unwaveringly so that the sincere hopes that have arisen in the field are reflected in policy, and the changes that begin with policy can, in turn, bring warmth back to every corner of our daily lives."

She noted, "Although the ministry has faced a crisis of weakened policy momentum due to debates over its existence and a prolonged leadership vacuum, now is the time when strong leadership is needed to strengthen and actively pursue gender equality policies demanded by society." Regarding the upcoming expansion and reorganization of the ministry into the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, she said, "It is not simply a change of name; the ministry's status will be enhanced as the control tower overseeing gender equality, family, and youth policies across all government ministries in South Korea."

As major tasks going forward, she cited closing the gender wage gap and expanding support for women's reemployment, resolving gender conflicts among the younger generation, swiftly responding to gender-based violence such as digital sex crimes and dating violence and improving support systems for victims, as well as expanding support for diverse families and increasing childcare services.

Minister Won stated, "I will make communication, listening, and cooperation the core principles," adding, "Until the end of my term, I will continuously listen to the voices of stakeholders, field experts, and civil society, and bring about change that earns the public's trust by enhancing transparency and accountability throughout the entire policy process."