Gyeongju earns women-friendly city designation for second consecutive term

Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province has been designated a women-friendly city for the second consecutive term under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's 2026 review, allowing the city to retain the status through 2031.

The city announced Tuesday that it will continue pursuing women-friendly policies tailored to local conditions from 2027 through 2031, focusing on expanding women's participation in economic and social activities, strengthening everyday safety and improving care environments.

The women-friendly city designation is awarded by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to local governments that promote equal participation in regional policy for both women and men, and that demonstrate concrete achievements in women's empowerment, care services and public safety. Designations are based on a comprehensive assessment of policy infrastructure and project outcomes.

Gyeongju has focused its efforts on broadening women's economic participation and rolling out public safety measures that residents can feel in their daily lives.

Its flagship initiative, a women's employment program called "Startup Jump-Up," expanded last year from entrepreneurship education and certification support to include on-site training, hands-on activities and sales experience this year.

All 20 participants completed the program last year, and 11 went on to find employment or launch their own businesses.

This year, the city ran seven on-site training sessions, four experiential booths and two flea markets to help translate education into real economic activity.

In the area of public safety, the city held community safety meetings where residents identified local safety concerns and discussed solutions firsthand.

The city also pursued policies linked to the broader community, including creating safer environments for women and children, expanding care support and running a civic participation group dedicated to the women-friendly city initiative.

A designation ceremony is scheduled at the Seoul Women and Family Foundation on Monday.

"Being designated a women-friendly city for two consecutive terms is an achievement we reached together with our citizens," Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-young said. "We will expand women's participation in society and build a Gyeongju where everyone is safe and happy."