Jeong Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, "Spreading the Value of Gender Equality, a Dedicated Ministry for Gender Violence is Absolutely Necessary"

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Holds 2021 Second Half Work Plan Press Briefing
"Established as an Administrative Department Achieving Women's Rights Improvement and Gender Equality Value Expansion"
"Prioritizing Policies for Gender Violence Victims, Out-of-School Youth, and Single-Parent Support"
Announces Gender Wage Gap and Gender Executive Status in Listed Companies and Public Institutions

Jeong Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 11th at the Minister's office of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in the Government Seoul Office Building. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Jeong Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, stated regarding the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF), "A ministry that is responsible for spreading the value of gender equality and addressing discrimination and violence against socially vulnerable groups is absolutely necessary, and its functions should be further expanded."

At a press briefing on key tasks for the second half of the year held on the 14th, Minister Jeong said, "At the time of MOGEF's establishment, women's social and economic status in our society was very low. Since its elevation to a ministry in 2001, efforts have been made to spread gender-equal values through measures such as the abolition of the family registry system (hojuje) and the introduction of gender impact assessment systems," adding, "Because MOGEF has established itself as an administrative ministry, it was able to achieve outcomes in advancing women's human rights and spreading gender equality values."

Minister Jeong explained, "We have promoted policies from the perspective of socially vulnerable groups to ensure that victims of sexual and domestic violence, single-parent and multicultural families, and out-of-school youth are not left in policy blind spots," and added, "Going forward, we will take the lead in realizing a sustainable inclusive society by providing stronger protection for the most vulnerable groups."

She added, "Considering unprecedented career interruptions and low birth rates worldwide, the most severe gender wage gap among OECD countries, and the issue of child and youth sexual exploitation threatening daily life, a ministry dedicated to spreading gender equality values and addressing discrimination and violence against socially vulnerable groups is absolutely necessary."

Minister Jeong emphasized, "It is very important not only for MOGEF to perform its inherent duties but also to incorporate a gender-sensitive perspective into the policies and projects of other ministries," and said, "Based on reflections on areas where MOGEF's work has been insufficient, we will listen more to the voices of the people and actively pursue policies that meet their expectations."

She stated, "The realization of a fair society where neither women nor men are discriminated against is the starting point and ultimate goal of the existence of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family," explaining, "Past women-focused laws and systems are gradually evolving into systems that encompass both genders in line with social changes."

Minister Jeong continued, "MOGEF will strive to create relationships where men and women mutually respect and develop together," adding, "The relationship between women and men is not adversarial or a zero-sum conflict, and the diversity within each group is as significant as the differences between the two groups. Exaggerating partial differences to escalate conflicts should be avoided for the future of our society."

MOGEF will announce the gender wage gap and gender composition of executives in listed companies and public institutions to create a gender-equal labor environment. On the occasion of the implementation of 'Equal Pay Day,' the gender wage gap in public institutions and listed companies will be analyzed and disclosed. The gender composition of executives in companies with assets exceeding 2 trillion won will also be announced.

Minister Jeong stated, "Despite efforts toward a gender-equal labor market, more active efforts are needed to resolve the still serious gender wage gap and career interruption issues."

Additionally, customized employment support such as vocational training will be strengthened to help women who left the labor market due to COVID-19 re-enter the workforce. A tailored employment retention support service model will be developed for employed women to maintain their employment status according to crisis factors. Services necessary for career retention, including labor and psychological counseling, care information provision, and career development and management, will be piloted.

To bridge the gender equality perception gap among youth, a 'Gender Equality Forum' will also be held. This will create a communication platform to discuss issues such as housing, jobs, and mutual respect. Minister Jeong said, "There is a growing gender equality perception gap centered on the youth, and active government efforts are needed to resolve this," adding, "We will enable young men and women to communicate together, share difficulties they face in reality, and seek solutions."

To realize a society safe from sexual violence for both men and women, the 'Act on the Prevention of Violence against Women' will be renamed the 'Act on the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence,' and responses to sexual violence in the public sector and digital sex crimes will be strengthened.

Following sexual violence incidents involving local government heads last year, MOGEF's role has expanded, and from the 13th, the amended 'Act on the Prevention of Sexual Violence and Protection of Victims' will be enforced. It includes provisions requiring public institutions to notify the Minister of Gender Equality and Family when sexual violence incidents occur.

Minister Jeong said, "We plan to check whether guidelines to prevent secondary damage will be established for central administrative agencies and local governments," and added, "We also plan to pursue legal amendments to allow the Minister of Gender Equality and Family to issue corrective orders in cases of sexual harassment."

Digital sex crimes often affect male youth victims as well. Minister Jeong stated, "We will expand tailored support for digital sex crime victims and thoroughly protect their human rights."

MOGEF is also working on establishing punishment and protection systems for newly emerging gender-based violence such as stalking. Along with follow-up measures for the 'Stalking Crime Punishment Act' to be enforced in October, a victim protection law will be prepared, and legislation will be pursued starting in September.

The controversial 'Internet Game Shutdown System,' which restricts minors' use of the popular teen game 'Minecraft,' will also be actively improved. The shutdown system, introduced in 2011, blocks PC game access for youth under 16 during late-night hours.

Minister Jeong emphasized, "Since there are many legislative proposals recently in the National Assembly, MOGEF will actively support improvements to the system during this opportunity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.