Women's Job Policies Also 'Same Old Story'

In-depth Analysis of the 4·7 By-election's 3 Major Pledges - ① Real Estate ▶ Jobs ③ COVID-19 Support

"Government-led approach is misguided
Focus on structural reform over wage subsidies
Need to consider post-childbirth return-to-work plans"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Experts mostly responded with disappointment regarding the women's employment policies proposed by each candidate. They said the policies were at a level that merely recycled previous discussions or presented visible measures while ignoring fundamental solutions.

Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, pledged to reform workplace culture, strengthen the gender-equal wage disclosure system, and introduce a mandatory purchasing system for women-owned businesses. Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, plans to support women's workplace activities by enhancing education for women who have experienced career interruptions and increasing tax support for flexible remote work. Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party candidate for Seoul mayor, aims to strengthen childcare measures such as grandchild care allowances and establishing postpartum care centers throughout Seoul, while pledging to hire 50% of replacement personnel for childbirth and parental leave in Seoul city government and affiliated public institutions from women with career interruptions.

Experts who reviewed these policies said, "There is nothing new." Professor Jung Jae-hoon of the Department of Social Welfare at Seoul Women's University said, "Looking at the pledges, they approach women's employment policies led by the government, but that does not seem to be the right direction." He added, "There needs to be incentives for companies themselves to recognize that a family-friendly environment ultimately enables global competitiveness. For example, rather than wage subsidies, the Seoul mayor should consider efforts to improve corporate structures through consulting and other means." Professor Kim Soo-han of the Department of Sociology at Korea University pointed out the reality that "while everyone talks about improving organizational culture, fundamental changes have not occurred through legislation or the creation of female executive positions," urging more fundamental considerations.

The same critique was made regarding each candidate's measures for women with career interruptions, emphasizing the need to face fundamental problems before providing support. Professor Kim said, "It is important to consider ways to prevent career interruptions before devising measures," and added, "I hope they present considerations and outcomes on how women can return to work after childbirth in small businesses where most women are employed."

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