<a href="http://www.time.news/mayor-kim-dong-geun-of-uijeongbu-city-encouraged-the-city-hall-ice-skating-team-that-successfully-completed-the-2023-2024-season-and-also-awarded-appointment-certificates-to-new-members/" title="Mayor Kim Dong-geun of Uijeongbu City encouraged the city hall ice skating team that successfully completed the 2023-2024 season… and also awarded appointment certificates to new members.”>Uijeongbu City (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) held the ‘5th Welfare Policy Strategy Meeting’ at the mayor’s office on November 20 and explored ways to promote welfare policies through interdepartmental or public-private cooperation.
With 18 people in attendance, including Mayor Kim Dong-geun, the director of the Welfare Bureau, the director of the Minrak Community Care Center, the job team leader of the Uijeongbu YWCA Women’s New Work Center, and heads of related departments, the direction of Uijeongbu City’s women and children’s policy in 2025 was discussed.
The city holds public discussions (forums) and storytelling performances (talk concerts) to listen to various citizens’ voices on women’s policies, and in addition to the full-time jobs that have been promoted, 1-day to 3-month jobs have increased due to reasons such as childbirth and childcare. We plan to promote a new short-term job matching project within the period.
In addition, next year, we plan to begin operating an integrated child care center in the Heungseon and Howon areas and promote the creation of a child care facility cooperative district (cluster) in the Singok and Songsan areas. In addition, the plan is to create a thorough care environment where children can be left with peace of mind even in emergency situations, such as by operating a daycare center 24 hours a day.
Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, “Supporting women’s social and economic activities and caring for infants and children are investments for the future of Uijeongbu,” and added, “Please work hard to ease the burden of raising children and create conditions where work and family can be compatible.” He requested.
Meanwhile, Uijeongbu City (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) announced that on November 19, the ‘Uijeongbu City Senior Committee (Co-Chairman Won Dae-sik)’ held a temporary meeting and visited a senior protection agency in northern Gyeonggi Province.
On this day, 12 members, including co-chairman Won Dae-sik, discussed ▲ revitalization of the committee ▲ follow-up management of groups at risk of elder abuse ▲ measures to cooperate with related organizations to protect the human rights of the elderly and ensure a safe retirement.
Co-Chairman Won Dae-sik said, “I hope that the Senior Committee’s interest and activities through visits to institutions related to the elderly will be a great help in promoting the welfare of the elderly.” He added, “We will continue to visit sites and provide opportunities for communication in the future.”
The city formed the ‘Uijeongbu City Senior Committee’ directly under the mayor in July of last year to establish policies for the elderly in which the elderly can directly participate and receive support. Through this, projects to improve the welfare of the elderly, including health, lifelong education, and human rights protection, are discovered and reflected in city administration.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Uijeongbu City
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How will the new integrated childcare centers impact families in Uijeongbu City?
Interview: Building a Stronger Future for Women and Children – A Conversation with Mayor Kim Dong-geun
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Kim Dong-geun. It’s an absolute pleasure to have you with us as we discuss Uijeongbu City’s innovative welfare policies. You recently held the ’5th Welfare Policy Strategy Meeting.’ Can you share what key priorities emerged during that meeting?
Mayor Kim Dong-geun (MKD): Thank you for having me! The meeting was a crucial step in fostering collaboration among various departments and public-private partnerships. A major focus was on enhancing women’s and children’s policies for 2025. We discussed integrating citizens’ voices through public discussions and performances, which is essential for tailoring our approach to the needs of the community.
TNE: That sounds incredibly inclusive. How are you planning to address the changing labor market caused by childbirth and childcare gaps?
MKD: We recognize that traditional employment structures often overlook the unique challenges faced by women, particularly those who are balancing family and work. To address this, we are launching a short-term job matching project that accommodates flexible employment opportunities ranging from one day to three months. This aims to provide both economic stability and personal satisfaction for women during pivotal life changes.
TNE: Incredible! Transitioning to childcare, can you elaborate on your plans for the new integrated childcare centers?
MKD: Absolutely. Next year, we’ll begin operating new integrated childcare centers in the Heungseon and Howon areas. We’re also focused on creating cooperative districts for child care facilities in Singok and Songsan. Our goal is to ensure that parents can leave their children in a safe, nurturing environment, particularly during emergencies. This includes plans for 24-hour daycare services.
TNE: It’s heartening to see such commitment to both women and children’s welfare. In what ways do you think these initiatives will impact future generations?
MKD: Supporting women’s social and economic activities, along with caring for infants and children, will not only uplift families but also lay the foundation for a more equitable society. When parents can balance work and family life effectively, children grow up in environments that foster their development and education—essentially, we’re investing in our future!
TNE: Truly inspiring. You mentioned utilizing storytelling performances and forums to gather public input. How do you believe this approach will enhance your policies?
MKD: Engaging with our citizens through storytelling allows us to tap into their personal experiences, making our policies more relatable and effective. Individuals from all walks of life can share insights that might not emerge through traditional channels. This authentic feedback is invaluable as we strive to form policies that truly resonate with the community.
TNE: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Uijeongbu City in terms of welfare policy?
MKD: My vision is a community where welfare policies are dynamic and continuously evolving to meet the needs of our residents. I hope that Uijeongbu becomes a model city where comprehensive support for women and children is the norm, empowering families to thrive, thus creating a vibrant and sustainable community for all.
TNE: Thank you, Mayor Kim, for those insights. It’s evident that Uijeongbu City is on a commendable path in promoting wellbeing among its citizens. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives develop.
MKD: Thank you for the opportunity to share our vision. It is through dialogues like this that we can inspire others and enhance the welfare of all citizens.