ACT ON FOSTERING AND SUPPORTING WOMEN SCIENTISTS AND TECHNICIANS
Act No. 6791, Dec. 18, 2002
Amended by Act No. 8050, Oct. 4, 2006
Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008
Act No. 10076, Jan. 18, 2010
Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011
Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013
Act No. 11713, Mar. 23, 2013
Act No. 13121, Feb. 3, 2015
Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017
Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017
Act No. 15344, Jan. 16, 2018
The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the reinforcement of the capacities of women for science and technology and the development of national science and technology by devising policies to foster women in science, engineering, and technology, to make practical use of their abilities, and to support them, by extending assistance helping them to sufficiently display their talents and abilities.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
The term "women in science, engineering, and technology" in this Act means women who engage or intend to engage in research service, technical service or other related service in the fields of natural science and engineering (hereinafter referred to as "science and engineering system"), who are prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 3 (Relationship to Other Statutes) |
This Act shall apply, in preference to other statutes, to the fostering of women in science, engineering, and technology, to the practical use of their talents, and to the assistance to them.
| (1) | The Government shall set forth the goals and directions for mid- and long-term policies to foster and support women in science, engineering, and technology, and establish and promote master plans for fostering and supporting women in science, engineering, and technology according thereto (hereinafter referred to as "master plans"), in order to efficiently achieve the purposes of this Act. |
| (2) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall establish master plans every five years by integrating plans, policies, etc. relating to fostering and supporting women in science, engineering, and technology, which have been established by the heads of related central administrative agencies and the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, other Metropolitan City Mayors, the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Do Governors, or the Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor"), as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 13121, Feb. 3, 2015; Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (3) | The master plans shall contain the following matters: <Amended by Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017> |
| 1. | Basic goals and promotional directions for fostering women in science, engineering, and technology and for assisting them; |
| 2. | Matters concerning the fostering of women in science, engineering, and technology, practical use of their talents, and assistance to them; |
| 3. | Matters concerning affirmative action under Article 11; |
| 4. | Matters concerning the establishment and operation of institutes for supporting women in science, engineering, and technology under Article 14; |
| 5. | Matters concerning the fostering of the organizations of women in science, engineering, and technology; |
| 6. | Other important matters concerning the fostering of and assistance to women in science, engineering, and technology as determined by the Minister of Science and ICT. |
| (4) | The master plans shall be subjected to deliberation by the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology established under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Advisory Council on Science and Technology"), by undergoing the procedures prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 11713, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 15344, Jan. 16, 2018> |
| (5) | When the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors establish the plans and policies relating to fostering and supporting women in science, engineering, and technology, they shall follow the goals and directions for mid- and long-term policies under paragraph (1). |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 5 (Implementation Plans for Each Fiscal Year) |
| (1) | The heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors (hereinafter referred to as "implementing agencies") shall establish and promote implementation plans for each fiscal year (hereinafter referred to as "implementation plans") in accordance with master plans. |
| (2) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall adjust implementation plans by undergoing a consultation with implementing agencies, and shall inspect the current status of their implementation, and integrate the implementation plans of implementing agencies for the following year and the actual promotional results of the preceding year, and file a report thereon with the Advisory Council on Science and Technology. <Amended by Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 11713, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017; Act No. 15344, Jan. 16, 2018> |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 6 (Investigation of Actual Status) |
| (1) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall conduct an investigation of actual status each year, for the purpose of ascertaining the current status of practical use of the talents of women in science, engineering, and technology and other results following the enforcement of this Act, publicize the outcomes thereof, and file a report thereon with the Advisory Council on Science and Technology. <Amended by Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011; Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 11713, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017; Act No. 15344, Jan. 16, 2018> |
| (2) | Where it is deemed necessary to conduct an investigation of actual status under paragraph (1), a request may be made to the related central administrative agencies, local governments, public agencies, and other institutions or organizations that receive any assistance from the State or local governments, to furnish the data or opinions. In such cases, the institutions or organizations in receipt of such request shall comply therewith, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. |
| (3) | Matters necessary for the scope, details, methods, procedures, etc. in respect of the investigation of actual status under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011> |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 7 (Promotion of Entering Science and Engineering Universities and Participation in Science and Engineering Field) |
| (1) | The State and local governments may induce schoolgirls in elementary or secondary schools and female students attending universities or colleges (referring to universities or colleges, industrial colleges, universities of education, junior colleges, air colleges, air and correspondence colleges, cyber colleges, technical colleges, and various kinds of schools under Article 2 of the Higher Education Act; hereinafter the same shall apply) to enter the science and technology universities, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology established under the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Act, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology established under the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Act, the Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology established under the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Act, and the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology established under the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology Act (hereinafter referred to as "science and technology university, etc."), and may develop and operate programs necessary to motivate them to enter the science and engineering field, or support the institutions or organizations that operate the said programs. <Amended by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the details of programs, the scope of assistance, etc. under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 8 (Maintenance of Appropriate Ratio of Female Students in Science and Technology Universities) |
| (1) | Where the ratio of female students among those attending science and technology universities, etc. is very low, the State and local governments may encourage the science and technology universities, etc. to maintain the adequate ratio of female students who enter each year. |
| (2) | The State and local governments shall devise and promote preferential policies in their assistance of research expenses, etc. for science and technology universities, etc. that maintain an adequate ratio of female students who enter under paragraph (1). |
| (3) | The ratio of female students under paragraph (1), preferential policies under paragraph (2), and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 9 (Assistance to Female Students in Science and Technology) |
| (1) | The State and local governments may select excellent students from female students attending science and technology universities, etc., and provide them with scholarships or research subsidies, or have them participate in the research and development projects implemented by the State or local governments. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the criteria for the selection of excellent female students, the scope of assistance, etc. under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 10 (Assistance to Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology) |
| (1) | The State and local governments may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in education, training, or research activities in foreign or domestic colleges or public research institutions, in order to elevate the research abilities of women in science, engineering, and technology. <Amended by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
| (2) | The State and local governments may support international joint research and academic exchange programs in order to encourage international cooperation of women in science, engineering, and technology. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
| (3) | Matters necessary for the subject to assistance, the methods of assistance, etc. under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 11 (Affirmative Action) |
| (1) | The State and local governments may take affirmative action, such as setting forth, in specific levels, the target ratio of recruitment and retention of women in science, engineering, and technology and the target ratio of their promotion by class temporarily within the reasonable scope, in order to expand the advancement of women in science, engineering, and technology into research institutes and science and technology universities, etc. in the fields of science and technology. <Amended by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
| (2) | Where the heads of related central administrative agencies and the heads of local governments takes affirmative action under paragraph (1), they shall notify the Minister of Science and ICT of the results of the said promotions. <Amended by Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (3) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall integrate the results of promotions of affirmative action under paragraph (2), and file a report thereon with the Advisory Council on Science and Technology each year. <Amended by Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 11713, Mar. 23, 2013; Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017; Act No. 15344, Jan. 16, 2018> |
| (4) | The State and local government may provide administrative and financial support after evaluating the result of affirmative action taken under paragraph (1). <Newly Inserted by Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011> |
| (5) | Details of affirmative action and institutions under paragraph (1) subject thereto and matters necessary for the administrative and financial support under paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011> |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 12 (Designation of Officers in Charge of Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology) |
| (1) | The heads of public agencies having many incumbents of women in science, engineering, and technology, such as research institutions of scientific and technical fields, shall designate an officer to be in charge of women in science, engineering, and technology among their subordinate staff members, and have him or her perform the following duties: <Amended by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
| 1. | Promoting recruitment of women in science, engineering, and technology; |
| 2. | Elevating positions of women in science, engineering, and technology; |
| 3. | Creating a research culture that harmonizes work and family life; |
| 4. | Other duties as assigned to support women in science, engineering, and technology. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the scope of public agencies and the designation of an officer in charge of women in science, engineering, and technology and his or her duties, etc. under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 13 (Support for Employment and Reemployment) |
| (1) | The State and local governments may provide support for necessary education and training, etc. where any women in science, engineering, and technology find employment or any women in science, engineering, and technology whose economic activities have been suspended due to their pregnancy, childbirth, rearing of children, taking care of their family members, etc. intend to find reemployment. <Amended by Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011> |
| (2) | The heads of related central administrative agencies and the heads of local governments may entrust all or some of the duties relating to the support for education and training, etc. under paragraph (1) to the institutions or organizations prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011> |
| (3) | The heads of related central administrative agencies and the heads of local governments may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in carrying out business affairs by the institutions or organizations entrusted with the duties relating to support for education and training, etc. under paragraph (2). <Amended by Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the details of support for the education and training for employment and reemployment under paragraph (1), persons eligible for education and training and procedures, etc. therefor shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011> |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 14 (Establishment of Institutes for Supporting Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology) |
| (1) | The State and local governments (referring to the Special Metropolitan City, other Metropolitan Cities, the Special Self-Governing City, Dos, and the Special Self-Governing Province; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article) may establish institutes for supporting women in science, engineering, and technology (hereinafter referred to as "support institute") in order to efficiently foster and support women in science, engineering, and technology. <Amended by Act No. 13121, Feb. 3, 2015> |
| (2) | Each support institute shall perform the following tasks: |
| 1. | Investigation or research in order to develop the policies on fostering and supporting women in science, engineering, and technology; |
| 2. | Education, training, studies and consultations for women in science, engineering, and technology; |
| 3. | Provision of the employment information, etc. on occupational types relating to science and technology; |
| 4. | Other supports to women in science, engineering, and technology and to their organizations. |
| (3) | The State and local governments may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in the establishment and operation of support institutes. |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the establishment, operation, etc. of support institutes shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 15 (Raising Required Financial Resources) |
The State and local governments may appropriate all or some of project costs required for fostering and supporting women in science, engineering, and technology as prescribed in this Act, from the fund for the promotion of science and technology under Article 22 of the Framework Act on Science and Technology, or from funds, etc. relating to projects implemented in order to foster and support women in science, engineering, and technology, which are funds subject to the application of the National Finance Act. [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
| Article 16 (Entrustment of Authority) |
| (1) | The heads of central administrative agencies or the heads of local governments may, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, entrust part of their authority under this Act to institutions or organizations that perform the duties related with fostering and supporting women in science, engineering, and technology. <Amended by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
| (2) | Where the heads of central administrative agencies or the heads of local governments entrust part of their authority conferred by this Act to institutions or organizations under paragraph (1), they may reimburse expenses incurred in performing the duties entrusted to them by providing contributions or subsidies. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017> |
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010]
ADDENDUM
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8050, Oct. 4, 2006>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2007. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 12 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10076, Mar. 17, 2010>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10873, Jul. 21, 2011>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
| (1) | This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. |
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11713, Mar. 23, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 13121, Feb. 3, 2015>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
| (1) | This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided, That, the amendments to the statutes to be amended pursuant to Article 5 of the Addenda, which were promulgated before this Act enters into force but the enforcement dates of which have yet to arrive, shall enter into force on the enforcement date of the relevant statute. |
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15242, Dec. 19, 2017>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 15344, Jan. 16, 2018>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 4 Omitted.