South Korea Launches Plan to Support Young Women in Tech & Working Mothers

• Korea launches greater support for young women seeking careers in science, technology, and high-tech industries
• New initiatives to support working mothers in securing improved work-life balance

South Korea is accelerating its drive to support young females pursuing high-tech occupations and working mothers as part of an overall strategy for encouraging the economic activities of women.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family released the "4th Basic Plan for Promoting Economic Activities by Women and Preventing Career Interruptions (2025–2029)" on April 17 at the 18th Gender Equality Committee meeting. In contrast to the earlier plan, which was mainly centered on women with career interruptions, the new strategy targets women in all stages of life—youth, middle and older age?

Some of the main initiatives are to increase access to science, technology, and advanced industries for young women by providing them with career advice based on developing fields and regional employment support models. The scheme also increases such programs as the Innovation Convergence University initiative and launches surveys to further learn about the engagement of female talent in industrial technology industries.

Vocational training incentives will be provided for middle-aged and elderly re-entry women into the labor force. Assistance for working parents will be enhanced by enhanced childcare networks and increased workforce-sharing programs for small and medium-sized companies.

In addition, the criteria for the Women's Startup Competition will be expanded, and assistance in commercialization for patented inventions will be strengthened. Targeted labor market services will be varied for single mothers and immigrant women, and awards for female craftspeople will be increased to ensure a more supportive and inclusive labor market.