Women in North Korea’s capital city are competing intensely to join special “home industry” organizations that provide an official escape from mandatory farm work during the busy growing season.
“The competition has become fierce among Pyongyang women trying to enter these home industry groups,” a North Korean source revealed to Daily NK. “With farm mobilizations happening every other day, women desperately need relief, and these groups offer exactly that.”
How the system works
The women’s organizations in North Korea typically operate by neighborhood, but some districts have created separate home industry groups under local administrative offices.
These specialized groups receive official permission to make and sell handicrafts, must fulfill production quotas, and are legally exempt from agricultural labor requirements. This exemption has made them highly sought-after during farming seasons.
The reality behind the system
While these groups officially produce items like baby clothes, children’s toys, and hair accessories, the reality is quite different, according to sources. Members simply pay a monthly fee to avoid both farm work and organizational oversight.
“The products these groups make just collect dust on store shelves,” explained the source. “Nobody buys these items when markets offer much better alternatives. Wealthy women join these groups because they only need to show proof that products were made.”
Rising costs amid growing demand
The monthly payment required from women in these Pyongyang groups has increased from $200 to $300 as competition intensifies.
“Despite the high cost, women are flocking to these groups because they involve less physical labor and offer more comfort,” the source noted. “Many women negotiate with district chairpersons, willing to pay the steep price to avoid agricultural mobilization.”
Social pressure increases demand
Previously, women could avoid farm work through simple bribes to officials. However, the North Korean government’s increased emphasis on organizational discipline has made officials more cautious about accepting payoffs.
In Pyongyang especially, husbands face significant social criticism if their wives fail to properly participate in women’s union activities, making these home industry groups increasingly valuable.
“When a woman neglects her union responsibilities, her husband’s workplace receives notification,” the source explained. “This creates more than just personal embarrassment—it can trigger family conflict and potentially bring political consequences for the entire household.”
