Women’s political participation in South Korea and activist organizations

Abstract

Although South Korea has achieved unprecedented economic growth, gender inequality remains a serious social issue and continues to persist in various sectors. This paper explores the low levels of political participation by women in the country and activities undertaken by women’s organizations to improve these. Political gender quotas were first introduced in South Korea in 2000 and have developed gradually. Women’s movements have played a significant role in introducing and strengthening these quotas. This paper introduces activities for political gender quotas and gender-sensitive political reform. To prepare for future struggle, this paper calls for the need to widen the perspectives of women’s political empowerment and devise new strategies to make effective alliances with other women’s organizations and female politicians. In addition, both women’s organizations and political parties need to make efforts for nurturing young female leaders.