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Monash Korean Studies Seminar Series 2025: "Status of Gender Equality and Gender Impact Assessment in South Korea"

Talk from Dr Dool Soon Kim (Korean Women's Development Institute)

Date & Time: 4th Spetermber, 3-4pm (Mel time)

Venue: Room 236, Learning and Teaching Buidling (LTB), Monash Clayton Campus, VIC 3168  

Abstract: 

How do women live in South Korea today? South Korea has achieved remarkable growth in various areas, including political democratization, economy, society, and culture. In 2024, Korea's nominal GDP ranked 12th in the world. A recent report from the International Monetary Fund has revealed that South Korea now ranks first in the world for soft power. In this context of growth, I will examine how South Korean women experience life from a gender perspective.

Efforts to reduce gender inequality have been made across various sectors. Despite this, gender inequality structures persist. The gender wage gap in South Korea is the widest among OECD countries, and women's participation in senior decision-making positions remains very low. Rigid gender roles still exist in everyday life.

As part of its efforts to address gender inequality, the Korean government conducts a yearly gender impact assessment on various policies. This presentation will examine the operational structure of Korea's gender impact assessment system and examples of policy improvement.

Bio: 

Dool Soon Kim has worked a researcher at the Korean Women's Development Institute in South Korea since 2009, where she researches the gender impact assessment of policies and develop mid- to long-term women's policy for governments. She also provide consulting services to central government agencies and local government officials on the implementation of policies from a gender-sensitive perspective.

Contact person: Sandy Nguyen (Sandy.nguyen1@monash.edu)