ED Row over drafting women

Cheong Wa Dae recently opened an online petition corner on its website to collect policy ideas and suggestions from citizens. Drafting women for mandatory military service has emerged as the hottest topic, with more than 100,000 people signing the petition.

The fierce debate on the issue of drafting women started after a citizen posted a petition Aug. 30. The citizen claimed that the law should be revised to include women in mandatory military service because of the nation’s dwindling military manpower over the past 30 years due to the declining birthrate.

“Due to the confrontation with North Korea, it is inevitable that we maintain a draft system. But only men are shouldering the duty,” the online petitioner wrote. “Women, like men, should serve in the military, and the nation should grant them the same kind of benefits that men get after serving in the military.” The citizen also claimed that women’s service could contribute to promoting gender equality.

Responses to the petition were mixed, with some saying that it was about time women were drafted. Some argued that the petition was unfair because it did not consider many hardships and discrimination in society that Korean women already endure.

Drafting women is not a fundamental solution to the shortage of military manpower. But it is not a bad idea to have all young women serve in the military for a certain period.

There are some worrisome aspects about life in the military for women such as sexual harassment. A survey showed that one out of five women in uniform had experienced sexual abuse. The military needs to become a safe place for all men and women by rooting out sexual and other kinds of abuse. This is a prerequisite before considering mandatory military service for women.

The petitioner urged the government to prepare measures for the swift implementation of women’s military service. Before that, it is worthwhile to broaden the debate to a bigger segment of society.