To create a community where everyone lives in harmony, the city government has initiated more than 40 projects in five sectors as part of the active implementation of its policies on women's issues: promotion of gender equality and increased social participation by women; development of women's human capital; enhancing the welfare of women and families; upgrading child-care services; and ensuring the safety of children.

Although the status of women in Korea has improved, substantial disparities still exist in the opportunities available to men and women. Seoul City is concentrating its efforts on building a society where men and women can coexist on an equal footing.

To cultivate a cultural basis for gender equality in both the home and the workplace, the metropolitan government will provide education through cultural projects and training sessions.

Seoul Women`s Plaza operated by Seoul Metropolitan Government

Lectures on feminism will be presented at more than 450 institutions, including high schools. More than 300 lectures on feminism will be given every year to promote awareness of gender equality, for which the city will provide $125 in support for the instructor.

Women's Week from July 1-7 is one of various events intended to raise awareness of the need for gender equality. The annual celebration features cultural activities such as a writing contest for women. In addition, an Internet site will be online by 2006, with information about numerous topics of interest to women.

Seoul City will take the lead in promoting gender equality by eliminating inequities within its own offices. It will actively recruit and promote female employees to increase the proportion of women in senior-level positions to at least 13 percent by 2006. The rate of participation by women on municipal committees more than doubled from 15.4 percent in 1998 to 33.5 percent as of July 2003, after the enactment of an ordinance mandating that each panel include at least 30 percent women.

A Substitute Manpower Bank will be operated to recruit retired civil servants to fill posts that open up due to maternity or parental leave.

To prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, educational programs will be held at least once a year for all Seoul Metropolitan Government staff. Sexual discrimination report centers are in operation to receive and process reports of unfairness related to personnel transfers, childbirth and child care for civil servants.

The city seeks thorough collaboration with women's organizations and nongovernmental organizations to increase women's participation in society. As part of this effort, it provides administrative and financial assistance to more than 140 women's organizations from an $8.3 million fund (1998) for projects to improve the status of women. The amount is expected to double by 2006.

To help women achieve their full potential in the work force, the city operates facilities such as Seoul Women's Plaza, the Women's Development Center and the Woman Resources Development Center. Vocational training and other educational programs are available to as many as 30,000 women to break down barriers that prevent them from becoming professionals in various fields.

Seoul Women's Foundation was established in January 2002 to assist women by offering a supportive network. Its operations include Seoul Women's Plaza, the largest center of its kind, which is fully funded by the metropolitan government. Major projects include hosting the Asian Network of Minor Cities International Women's Policy Symposium and the Seoul Women Biz Fair, as well as offering training programs for professionals such as the Women's Leadership Enhancement Course. The foundation aims to promote community and relationships among women through social and volunteer activities.

Of critical importance is the need for shelters and systemic social services for single mothers, prostitutes, and women affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. Seoul also will establish specialized counseling centers for physically challenged women to see that their special needs are met.

Self-reliance projects for women engaged in prostitution are operated and funded by the metropolitan government to provide a safe place and opportunities for integration into society. Seoul City runs rehabilitation programs for prostitutes, including STOP (Seoul Together Project), a comprehensive measure to protect their human rights. In addition, the city offers support centers, counseling and education to empower teenage victims of the sex trade and prevent young people from entering it.

The city will establish a public child-care system as a foundation for women to participate freely in social activities. Public child-care services will be expanded and diversified in response to the growing demand for after-school child care, infant care and care for physically challenged children. Private child-care facilities will be improved through supporting funds and subsidies.

Under the concept of "Sharing Seoul," various projects - including the Child-Care Information Center established in March 2000 and the Green Toy Library, which opened in December 2001 - will benefit women with child-care responsibilities.

Seoul will become a safer city for children by formulating safety measures and providing guidance to teenagers and children, as well as increasing support for young people whose parents are deceased or unable to care for them. The city provides medical and living expenses to guarantee these youths a basic income.

A "children's safety park" will be built along with safer amusement parks for children. Safety classes operated by the metropolitan government are offered in schools. The city also runs counseling centers for children: the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, the Foster Care Center and Support for Homes Adopting Physically Challenged Children and Minor Heads of Households.

By Hwang You-mee

2004.05.27