'Gender ministry's role essential in eradicating discrimination'

By Lee Hyo-jin

Gender Equality and Family Chung Minister Young-ai said Wednesday that Korea needs her ministry, which is tasked with supporting women's rights and eradicating discrimination and legal violations against the socially marginalized.

Chung's remarks came after several conservative politicians called for the gender ministry to be dismantled, accusing the organization of accomplishing practically nothing in the 20 years since its establishment.

“We are aware of the recent public concerns surrounding the role and accomplishments of our ministry, but there seems to be some misunderstanding,” Chung said during an online press conference.

“I believe we have been able to achieve meaningful results in improving women's rights which were significantly lacking in our society 20 years ago.”

Tasked with solving many problems related to the socially marginalized, the gender equality ministry is essential for Korea, considering the difficulties women face finding work after childbirth, the chronically low birthrate, the highest gender wage gap among OECD countries and sexual exploitation crimes threatening children, the minister said.

Chung vowed that the ministry will strive to launch more effective policies in the future.

In the latter half of the year, it will focus more on promoting gender equality in the labor market, while strengthening support for women who quit their jobs due to childbirth or to raise their children by providing them with various occupational training programs.

The ministry said it will also seek ways to address the deepening gender conflict, especially among younger people due to the increasingly competitive job market and soaring housing prices. “We will hold a gender equality forum in which the young generation will gather to discuss major issues, such as housing and employment, based on mutual respect,” Chung said.

In addition, a U.N. center to promote gender equality will be set up in Korea in the latter half of this year.

“We signed a memorandum of understanding with U.N. Women in June,” Chung said. “The center will take a leading role in empowering women and sharing women-related initiatives throughout the Asia-Pacific region.”