Gyeonggi Women and Family Foundation Unveils Vision 2035: Building a Happier, Gender-Equal Future

A Milestone Anniversary: Reflecting on 20 Years of Progress

Did you know that the Gyeonggi Women and Family Foundation (GWFF) has just celebrated its 20th anniversary? On June 19th, 2025, at the Gyeonggi Arts Center, key figures from the provincial government, the National Assembly, and women’s policy networks gathered to honor two decades of achievements and to look ahead to a bold new future. The event was not just a ceremonial affair—it was a moment to recognize the foundation’s evolution from the Gyeonggi Family and Women’s Development Institute in 2005, through its transformation into the Gyeonggi Women and Family Foundation in 2020, and its growing influence on policy and social innovation in South Korea’s largest province.

From Policy Pioneer to Social Innovator

The GWFF has made waves in South Korea by being the first to integrate women and family policy development with gender sensitivity training for public officials. Its landmark projects include the Gyeonggi Gender Impact Assessment Center, the Gyeonggi Childcare Support Center, and the Gyeonggi Gender Violence Integrated Response Team. These initiatives have set new standards for local and national policy, influencing how gender and family issues are addressed not just in Gyeonggi but across Korea. According to recent news articles from Hankyoreh, Maeil Business, and Kyunghyang Shinmun, the foundation’s research and pilot programs are frequently cited as models for other regions.

Vision 2035: A Blueprint for the Next Decade

At the anniversary event, GWFF President Kim Hye-soon unveiled 'Vision 2035,' a strategic plan that sets out the foundation’s mission for the next ten years. The vision is built on four core values: expertise, collaboration, leadership, and respect. The foundation aims to expand its Research & Policy Development (R&PD) capacity, foster an innovative ecosystem in partnership with local communities, and strengthen its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management to boost organizational competitiveness. Blogs on Naver and Tistory have praised the foundation’s focus on practical, resident-centered policies and its commitment to sustainable social change.

Key Issues: Gender Equality, Family Happiness, and Social Inclusion

President Kim emphasized that although women and families are the bedrock of society, there are still many challenges in ensuring effective, on-the-ground policies. Issues like women’s career re-entry, low birth rates, aging populations, and support for out-of-school youth are all intertwined, making the foundation’s role more crucial than ever. Recent blog posts and news reports highlight GWFF’s ongoing efforts to address these complex issues through targeted research, pilot projects, and policy advocacy.

Community and Media Reactions: Applause and Constructive Criticism

Online communities like DC Inside, Instiz, and FM Korea have shown a mix of positive and critical responses. Many users celebrated the foundation’s achievements, especially its support for working mothers and its campaigns against gender-based violence. Some commenters, however, called for more transparency in project outcomes and a stronger focus on marginalized groups. On Naver blogs, writers expressed hope that Vision 2035 would lead to more inclusive and practical policies, while Tistory bloggers highlighted the importance of grassroots participation in shaping future initiatives.

Cultural Insights: Why This Matters to International Fans

For international readers, it’s important to understand that gender and family policies in Korea are deeply connected to broader social trends—like rapid modernization, changing family structures, and rising calls for gender equality. The GWFF’s work reflects both the progress and the ongoing debates in Korean society. Overseas K-culture fans might be surprised to learn how much public policy shapes everyday life, from childcare and parental leave to anti-discrimination laws and support for single-parent families. The foundation’s anniversary and Vision 2035 are not just local news—they’re part of a larger movement toward a more inclusive, equitable society.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2035

The next decade will be a test of GWFF’s ability to adapt and innovate. As President Kim Hye-soon said, the foundation is committed to deeper research, more effective fieldwork, and policies that embrace all residents. With continued support from the community, government, and international partners, the GWFF is poised to lead the way in making Gyeonggi—and Korea—a better place for women and families. Stay tuned for more updates as Vision 2035 unfolds!