Chonnam National University actively promotes and collaborates to encourage women's participation in underrepresented fields, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The university engages in various outreach and partnership activities to support women’s advancement in these areas, working closely with local communities, government bodies, and NGOs.
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University Outreach
Chonnam National University offers a range of programs aimed at fostering career development and increasing job opportunities for women in STEM. For instance, the Power ICT Specialist Training and the AI Content Instructor Training programs provide theoretical and practical training to help women advance in the ICT and AI fields. These programs emphasize enhancing women's professional competitiveness in industries where they are underrepresented. Additionally, the talk show titled Adapting to Future Job Changes provided a platform for women to better prepare for changes in the job market, focusing on overcoming unconscious bias in the workplace.
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Collaborative Efforts
The university works in collaboration with various local organizations, government agencies, and NGOs to promote women’s participation. The Gwangju Region Women Scientists and Engineers Specialized Human Resource Development Project Group partnered with KEPCO KDN to provide specialized ICT training for women. Other collaborative initiatives, such as programs with the Gwangju-Jeonnam Women Scientists and Engineers Network, demonstrate the university’s commitment to fostering women’s participation in underrepresented fields. Additionally, the Gender Research Institute at Chonnam National University hosts academic conferences and lectures focused on gender equality and feminism, strengthening partnerships with regional academic and social institutions.
Through these outreach and collaborative activities, Chonnam National University is dedicated to encouraging women to enter and succeed in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented, while continuing to expand opportunities for women in these areas.
Power ICT Specialist Training for Women in STEM Fields
Chonnam National University's Gwangju Region Women Scientists and Engineers Specialized Human Resource Development Project Group, in collaboration with KEPCO KDN, conducted the "Power ICT Specialist Training" program from June 23 to 30, 2023. This initiative aims to enhance career development and employment opportunities for women in STEM fields, particularly in ICT, where they are underrepresented. The program included theoretical and practical training, with successful participants selected for internships at KEPCO KDN. Additionally, participants received online consulting support through the W-Bridge platform to further assist their career development.
※ Evidence: [News Article] https://today.jnu.ac.kr/WebApp/web/HOM/COM/Board/board.aspx?boardID=174&bbsMode=view&page=60&key=3955
AI Content Instructor Training for Women in STEM Fields
Chonnam National University's Gwangju Region Women Scientists and Engineers Specialized Human Resource Development Project Group conducted the "AI Content Instructor Training Program" from June 28 to August 10, 2023. This program aims to support women who have experienced career interruptions by training them to become professional instructors in AI education. It combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training using AI kits. The program, consisting of over 40 hours of online and offline education, is followed by practical experience through partnerships with local public institutions and child protection organizations to help participants transition into independent instructor roles.
Additionally, participants receive online consulting support through the W-Bridge platform, offering 1:1 coaching for resume and job application writing, tailored to their desired fields.
This initiative is part of Chonnam National University's broader efforts to encourage women to enter and succeed in underrepresented STEM fields, particularly in AI and ICT.
※ Evidence: [News Article] https://today.jnu.ac.kr/WebApp/web/HOM/COM/Board/board.aspx?boardID=174&bbsMode=view&page=55&key=4011
Talk Show on Adapting to Future Job Changes for Women in STEM
On October 23, 2023, Chonnam National University’s Gwangju Region Women Scientists and Engineers Specialized Human Resource Development Project Group and the Gwangju-Jeonnam Women Scientists and Engineers Network co-hosted a talk show titled "Adapting to Future Job Changes" at Yeongmyeong Hall, Chonnam National University. The event focused on unconscious bias and its impact on workplace conflicts, encouraging participants to find solutions for overcoming such bias.
The event also featured a lecture by Professor Kim Soo-hyung from the AI Convergence College at Chonnam National University on the topic of "Future Job Changes Driven by AI-Based Industrial Innovation." Discussions explored how the rise of AI and technological advancements will shape the future job market, particularly for women in STEM fields.
This event, supported by Chonnam National University, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and the Korean Federation of Women’s Science and Technology Associations, highlighted the importance of preparing for future changes and fostering education strategies to equip women in STEM with the necessary skills to adapt.
※ Evidence: [News Article]https://today.jnu.ac.kr/WebApp/web/HOM/COM/Board/board.aspx?boardID=174&bbsMode=view&page=43&key=4132
Academic Conference on Region, Feminism, and University Education
On February 22, 2023, Chonnam National University's Gender Research Institute hosted an academic conference titled "Region, Feminism, and University Education" at the university's Jinri Hall. The conference was organized to reflect on the need for gender sensitivity, gender equality, and feminism education in regional universities.
The event featured presentations on the transition and challenges of the Gender Research Institute, becoming a feminist as a young woman in the region, and the role of feminism and women's studies in university education. A roundtable discussion followed, addressing issues of gender justice within the region and universities.
This conference contributed to raising awareness of gender equality, enhancing collaboration between regional gender and women's research institutes, and played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in fields where feminist and gender education are underrepresented.
※ Evidence: [News Article]https://today.jnu.ac.kr/WebApp/web/HOM/COM/Board/board.aspx?boardID=174&bbsMode=view&page=74&key=2807
Lecture on Gender-Equal Democracy by Chonnam National University’s 5.18 Research Institute
On November 6, 2023, Chonnam National University's 5.18 Research Institute hosted a lecture on "Gender-Equal Democracy" at the Gwangju NGO Support Center. The event featured Professor Shin Kyung-ah from Hallym University, who gave a talk titled "In the Era of Backlash Politics: Realizing Gender-Equal Democracy and Regional Movements." The lecture explored the challenges of anti-feminist backlash and discussed strategies for promoting gender-equal democracy and new models for social movements.
This lecture is part of a larger series organized by the institute to address social change and the future of civil society, focusing on the roles and challenges of gender equality in regional movements. The event contributed to raising awareness of gender equality and exploring new approaches for social activism in the region.
※ Evidence: [News Article]https://today.jnu.ac.kr/WebApp/web/HOM/COM/Board/board.aspx?boardID=174&bbsMode=view&page=43&key=4137
