Shin Gye-yong, the mayor of Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, emphasized on September 5 that "gender equality is not a value for a select few, but a fundamental value that everyone should enjoy in their daily lives."
On that morning, Mayor Shin made these remarks at the '2026 Gwacheon Gender Equality Week Celebration' held near the fountain at Gwacheon Central Park.
This year's event, themed 'Gender Equality for All, Broader and Deeper,' served as a festival where citizens of all genders and generations could participate and empathize together.
The event aligns with Mayor Shin's focus on citizen-centered governance and creating an urban environment where everyone is respected.
The ceremony included awards for individuals who contributed to achieving gender equality and a presentation of the winners of an art contest.
Notably, citizens shared various perspectives on gender equality through a 'Gender Equality Story (3-minute speech)' segment, where they discussed their personal experiences and thoughts.
Various citizen participation programs continued throughout the venue.
Family-oriented activities included decorating coffee grounds pots, making gochujang (Korean chili paste), and creating gender equality keychains, along with performances, campaigns, and exhibitions designed for enjoyment by all ages.
An exhibition showcasing gender equality in daily life from the citizens' perspective was particularly eye-catching.
The special exhibition 'Our Town, Gender Equality Stories' presented an interactive archive of gender equality as discovered by citizens in various spaces and daily life in Gwacheon.
Additionally, the winning entries of the '2026 Gwacheon Gender Equality Art Contest' were displayed, allowing citizens to reflect on the meaning of gender equality through the artworks.
Mayor Shin stressed that gender equality is not a policy value for a specific group or a few citizens, but a basic right concerning the daily lives and opportunities of all citizens.
He stated, "When we respect each other's differences and provide fair opportunities to everyone, the potential of each citizen can grow even more."
Participants in the event also agreed on the importance of practicing the meaning of gender equality in their daily lives.
One citizen remarked, "It was great to participate in the experience programs with my children, allowing us to naturally discuss gender equality. I hope this becomes an opportunity for both adults and children to learn a culture of respecting differences from a young age."
Another citizen noted, "Gender equality can feel somewhat heavy, but it was comfortable to think about it while enjoying performances, experiences, and exhibitions together. I hope such events do not end as one-time campaigns but continue in our daily lives."
Mayor Shin expressed his hope that the event would be a time for citizens to enjoy and communicate while naturally empathizing with the meaning of gender equality, adding, "Gwacheon City will also strive to create a city where respect and consideration are practiced in everyday life."
Meanwhile, Mayor Shin plans to use this event to broaden citizens' understanding of gender equality and to continuously work towards creating a living environment where everyone, regardless of gender or generation, is respected and has access to fair opportunities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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