People Power Party Emphasizes Workplace 'Gender Equality'... "Need to Introduce Mandatory Female Ratio"

Yeouido Institute to Hold 'Policy Meeting for Gender Equality in the Workplace' at National Assembly on the 22nd Morning

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is delivering a greeting at the "Policy Meeting for Gender Equality in the Workplace" held at the National Assembly on the 22nd. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] The People Power Party has emphasized 'gender equality in the workplace' and argued that a system mandating the proportion of women in senior positions in the public sector should be introduced to achieve this.

The Yeouido Institute, the think tank of the People Power Party, held a 'Policy Meeting for Gender Equality in the Workplace' at the National Assembly on the morning of the 22nd.

At the meeting, Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, stated, "Although women's rights in our society have greatly improved compared to the past and interest in gender equality is increasing, it cannot be denied that awareness is still lacking in reality," adding, "Creating a gender-equal workplace is of utmost importance. If women are not discriminated against and can fully demonstrate their capabilities, our economy will grow further."

He continued, "Above all, the wrong atmosphere in the workplace must be corrected with gender sensitivity," and added, "This issue is very important not only for women but also for the future of our party and our country."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "Although the level of gender equality in our country has improved significantly, it still ranks among the lowest worldwide," and added, "Since the 1990s, major OECD countries have strengthened gender equality policies such as expanding women in senior positions and reducing the gender wage gap, greatly increasing women's economic activities. International organizations have also pointed to increasing women's economic participation as a solution to our economy's stagnation due to aging and low growth."

Floor leader Joo mentioned 'deep-rooted gender discrimination perceptions' as one of the most important factors to increase women's economic participation and realize gender equality in the workplace. He explained, "The state must actively support work-family balance and expand childcare," and added, "The reason for realizing gender equality in the workplace is not simply to favor women but to ensure that work and family coexist through gender equality so that all family members can be happy."

Jisang-wook, director of the Yeouido Institute, said, "The standard of gender equality means a balanced ratio between genders both quantitatively and qualitatively. In 2018, the proportion of female national public officials was 50.6%, but the proportion of women among senior public officials (grades 1 to 3) was only 7.9%. Given the unequal situation in terms of salary and welfare and the disadvantages caused by childbirth, a system mandating the proportion of women in senior positions in the public sector should be introduced, and institutional measures should be taken to address inequalities in salary and welfare," adding, "It is time to take practical measures beyond mere words and pledges. Discrimination based on gender in the labor market must be prevented institutionally."

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