WOMEN & POLITICS

THE KOREAN INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN & POLITICS

March 2001

KIWP was established in 1989 with the aims of heightening women's political consciousness and expanding political participation. Since that time, KIWP has worked relentlessly to accomplish those objectives, both domestically and in the international arena, through a broad range of programs and undertaking. Such have included both academic and more pragmatically oriented workshops and seminars and the publication of material designed to promote strategies in support of women candidates in the electoral process. We pride ourselves on our determination and commitment to these goals and our resolve to maintain such posture until such time as genuine equality exists in the political realm.

Contents:

*  Message from the Chairperson

*  Women's Political Participation in Korea

*  Allocation System for Women Candidate in the Political Sector

*  Major Events

*  Seminar on the 11th anniversary of KIWP

*  2000 MUN Commission on the Status of Women

*  Leadership Training for Young Women

*  Future Activities 2001

Message from the Chairperson

The changing world and the role of the women

Jung-Sook KIM (Chairperson of KIWP, Member of the National Assembly,)

The UN held its first general assembly of the 21st century, in September of 2000, naming it the "Millennium Assembly" to mark the special occasion. Hoping to prove an era of progress, the UN adopted new human rights goals for the global community to pursue by passing the 'Millennium Declaration'. Almost all of the 180 participating countries adopted the Millennium Declaration, which contains measures for Peace & Security, Development & Overcoming Poverty, Protection of Environment, Democratic System Management, Human Rights and Protection of Neglected People. UN members also discussed and developed plans for implementing the Declaration.

The Millennium Declaration seeks to encourage development, equality and peace, connecting it to the past 50 years of women's efforts in the international community. Worldwide, there are more women active in the struggle for participation in social development now than at any other time in history. The evidence of the growing strength of women could be seen during meetings among the top women leaders at the UN General Assembly including, Mary Robins, head of UNHCR; Carol Bellamy, the Executive-Director of UNICEF; and Cartrine Bertiny, the Secretary General in FAO, among others.

After reviewing the principles set forth by the UN, the world's women leaders presented the topics of greatest consideration for women. These included: increasing women's participation in peace keeping activities and the prevention of war, providing equal opportunities for education of both boys and girls, supporting women's efforts in overcoming poverty and achieving sustainable agriculture, expanding women's activities in production, advancing women's participation in decision making processes through the Active Follow-up and Allocation System, providing protection from violence, protecting the human rights of First-Nations women and guaranteeing the 50/50 equal participation of women within the UN.

Women's participation in the political decision-making process is critical to ensuring that issues affecting women are reflected withinthat process, thus helping to provide solutions for many challenges. Difficult problems, such as childcare for the workingwoman, gender discrimination in recruitment, promotion and wages, sexual harassment and domestic violence, can no longer be treated as only the private issues or concerns of women. Today, changes in the world will only occur through improving both relations between nations, as well as the social relationships within a country. For example, liberalization between capital and labor promotes women's participation in the labor market, but without affordable childcare, poor and working-class mothers are restricted from partaking in these advances.

Thus, the policy strategy for promoting the status of women in the 21st century prioritizes encouraging the expansion of women's participation in decision-making processes. Some countries have already started using this strategy. In the case of Australia, the government supports women's activities in the fields of Foreign and Military Affairs and dairy farming. The German government is investing resources in women in the fields of Science Technology, Information and Communication, path-breaking fields for the promotion of women.

The amount of willpower and resources being invested in women by governments worldwide emphasizes that the agenda for women is not a secondary problem but a core to the democratic system. Arguments for a society without women's participation have no validity. No longer can anyone be neglected in the decision-making process, especially not women. It is time to promote women's participation in every decision and performance.

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The Allocation System for Women Candidate

in the Political Sector: Achievements and Future Problems

Sook-Ja Park

Staff Director & Expert

Special Committee on Women's Affairs of the National Assembly

Korean women are highly successful in the economic sector and are also well represented on all education levels, but they have been visibly excluded from the political sector. Yet, this past April, 16 women were elected to the National Assembly during the 16th General Election, accounting for 5.9% of the National Assembly.  This is remarkable considering that the ratio for women in the National Assembly had previously remained closer to 2~3 %. Advocates attribute this increase to the introduction of a system that allocates 30% of proportional representation nominations to women. This system was adopted when the 'Political Party Act' was reformed on February 8, 2000.

The system recommends that "women constitute 30% of the representatives". It is based on the 1995 reforms made to the 'The Women's Development Act'. In the above Act, those sectors determined to have underdeveloped outreach programs for women would implement an 'Interim Affirmative Action'. Based on this, beginning in 1996, a system for the recruitment of female public officials was developed, leading to an increase in the ratio of female public officials.

Gender equality advocates sought for this 30% allocation system because they felt the political sector to be fundamentally different from other sectors of society. Thus, this system is the result of efforts by all 11 female members of the National Assembly and their supporters, since their male colleagues, who constitute 96.3% of the National Assembly, omitted this System from reforms to the 'Political Party Act'.

The National Assembly has both representatives of local constituenciesand members elected through party in the popular vote, in which the latter members are elected in proportion to the number of votes gained by each party in the popular vote. Even after the adoption of the 30% allocation system for women in the proportional representation nominations, women still compose only 5.9% of the whole assembly. Thus, women still remain insufficiently represented in politics. However, the adoption of the Women's Allocation System did allow for the election of 11 women to proportional representation seats in parliament, thus allowing a window of opportunity for women's voices to be heard more broadly.

Nevertheless, future problems still exist for the achievement of gender equality. It remains true for both the representatives elected through the proportional representation system and those elected in local elections, that there needs to be a system for allocating 30% electoral district party nominations to women. Also, the ratio of proportional representation nominations to women should also be increased from 30% to 50%.  Furthermore, women must recognize for themselves, that the field of politics is a field in which they too can participate in and that they must fight aggressively in order for changes to occur in the current political culture.

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KIWP Major Events of 2000

(1) Women's Forum on Politics, February 2000

16th General Election and Choice of Women Voters

In February, 2000, KIWP held the first of its bimonthly Women's Forum on Politics entitled, the "16thGeneral Election and Choice of Women Voters". Acknowledging the need to address changes made by the new Election Law, the process of governmental policies on women, and the rising role and responsibilities of women voters, the forum was held before the April 13 General Election. KIWP noted the forum's success and anticipates increases in future participation in discussions of current political issues. The bimonthly Women's Forum on Politics has the objective of pursuing a real democracy for gender equality and transformative politics.

(2) Women's Forum on Politics, April 2000

16th General Election and Women

KIWP held Women's Forum on Politics in the Conference Room of the National Assembly in April of 2000. This forum provided follow-up information and discussion on its theme of the "16th General Election and Women" First, a briefing of the research and analysis of the general election from the reporters Hee-young Lee, Young-sun Kim, Woohyun In and Bokyung Lee was followed by a discussion to evaluate the General Election. In the discussion session, Dr.Young-a Lee (Professor in Dankook University, board member of KIWP) moderated, Dr. Young-oak Back (Professor of Myungji University) gave a presentation and participants Kyung-cheon Kim (elected member of the National Assembly), Yang-soon Oh (member of the National Assembly on 15th General Election) and Dr. Won-hong Kim (Research Fellow / Politics) engaged in discussion. Continuing its success, the forum provided another opportunity to engage in critical dialogue and analysis of the present political situation.

(3) Seminar on the 11th anniversary of KIWP

Problem of Women Politics on the 21 Century: Women as a Critical Citizen

KIWP held its 30th Women Seminar on Politics at the Press Center on June 26, 2000, in commemoration of it's 11th anniversary. Congratulatory addresses from Kyung-Nam Back (Chairperson of Presidential Commission on Women's Affair) and Yun-Sook Lee (Chief, Special Committee on Women's Affair of the National Assembly) among the many delegatespreceded the seminar. During the Seminar, the presentation " 'Happy end', Politics and Women" was given by Dr. Young-Ju Hwang (Professor of Pusan University of Foreign Studies/ Politics). Following the presentation, discussion by Chun-Ho Lee (Chairperson, Korean League of Women Voters), Kong-Ja Jang (Professor of Chungbuk University/ Politics), Ki-sook Cho (Professor of Ewha Womans University) continued to examine the increasing critical role of women in the political process.

(4) 2000 Model UN Commission on the Status of Women

August 16 -18 2000

KIWP held the 2000 Model UN Commission on the Status of Women (MUNCSW) in the International Conference Room at the Korean Women's Development Institute (KWDI) from August 16 to 18, 2000. The approximately 100 participants were comprised mostly of undergraduate and graduate students from over 20 universities across the nation. Those who attended the 2000 MUNCSW had the unique opportunity to learn about the international situation on women's issues and ongoing activities by the international community for continuing the advancement of women. While gaining this knowledge, participantswon important experience by practicing the procedural rules used in real UN Conferences.

(5) Leadership Training for Young Women

September 23 to October 21, 2000 (every Saturday)

The Korean Institute for Women & Politics (KIWP) held its Leadership Training for Young Women at the Korean Women's Development Institute (KWDI) very Saturday from September 23 to October 21, 2000, under the sponsorship of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

This 5-series program consisted of several workshops including, 'Women as a critical citizen' by Prof. Kyung-Ok Jeon, 'Status of Korean Women' by Eun-Kyung, Kim (Vice Director of KIWP), 'Leadership Development Training' by Chang-Suk Song. Further workshops were led by visiting civil organizations such as People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Leadership Development Workshop. Other sessions included visiting the Seoul Metropolitan Council, discussions with leading women politicians Dr. Jung-Sook Kim, Ms. Song- Hwa Yoo, Ms. Chun-Ja Lim, and small group discussions. With about 30 participants, this program has continued KIWP's dedication in the development of future women leaders, raising awareness on current politics and fostering the future political participation of women.

Seminar on 11th anniversary of KIWP

Problem of Women Politics on the 21 Century: Women as a Critical Citizen

On June 26, 2000, in commemoration of its 11th anniversary, KIWP held its 30th Women's Seminar on Politics. The event started with congratulatory addresses from Kyung-Nam Back (Chairperson of Presidential Commission on Women's Affair) and Yun-Sook Lee (member of the National Assembly). During the Seminar, Dr. Yong-Ju Hwang gave his presentation, "Happy end, Politics and Women". Afterwards Chun-Ho Lee (Chairperson, Korean League of Women Voters), Kong-Ja Jang (Professor of Chungbuk University/ Politics), Ki-sook Cho (Professor of Ewha Women's University) discussed the increasingly critical role of women in the political process.

Happy End, Politics and Women

Young-Ju Hwang (Professor of Foreign Studies/Politics at Pusan University)

The daily politics: politics for overturn

Both women and the cinema are often ignored by mainstream political discourse, even when they have a viewpoint central to a political debate. Listening to the answers provided by these two neglected groups, uncovers the solutions needed for the current political situation and problems facing today's democracy. The first step begins with changing the existent political environment.

Gender Discrimination in Society and Politics

The movie Happy End shows how mainstream Korean society discriminates against a woman's illicit love through the symbols of housework and child care. Discrimination against women can also be found in the political arena. Formerly, politics was conducted to increase the power of men and to enforce the division of labor between men and women. According to the status quo, the public sector is reserved for men, while women are limited to the private sector. The status quo has remained unchallenged until recently, as the political arena is being criticized for reflecting only the identity of men and excluding women.

The general election on April 13th further revealed the exclusion of women through regionalism and the cronyism of Korean men. Even with the passage of the Election Law of 2000, women were only able to gain two more seats than they held before. Furthermore, the debate over how military service is factored into government employment is showing gender-oriented polarities. Even the media's point of view is distorted. In media reports, the label "women politician" is used when focusing on women, whereas a male politician is just a "politician".

Look at what happens to gender roles in Happy End. In the movie, the female lead has rejected the familiar female roles of wife and mother. This disruption in social relations causes a brief reversal in the balance of power between husband and wife. This is observed in the scene where the husband collects the milk packs for recycling, normally the wife's household job. However, the husband is unable to accept the loss of his power and kills his wife to save his baby. Through the husband's performance, the balance of power returns to familiar (and more socially acceptable) concepts of power between men and women.

Neglected groups

Within the important political environment, women's participation is neglected within existing political discourse. From the women's viewpoint, these neglected groups - the body, gender, family, private life and relationships - have been ignored in politics because they are regarded as non-political. Therefore, the best way to solve the problems facing today's political arena is through women. Only women and their activities can overcome the gender-biased point of view being criticized by these neglected groups. Just as childcare in Happy Endis an obligation, welcoming women into politics should be an obligation since they provide new ideas for politics, civil rights and social responsibility. Furthermore, the viewpoints of women support the values of a liberal democracy such as individualism, human rights and the notion of compulsory civil rights.

Politics with women

The participation of women in politics would re-construct and re-define the current political rule and system. Right now men control the political realm. Thus, current notions and systems must be challenged to include women. Only with the participation of women in politics, can we begin to concentrate on creating our future democracy.

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2000 Model UN Commission on the Status of Women

August 16 -18 2000

In the welcoming address, Jung-Sook Kim, Chair of KIWP, explained that MUNCSW's agenda was selected from the areas considered critical for the progress and development of women's status bythe real CSW. Thus, participants would address topics concerning "Education and Training of theWomen", "Violence against Women" and "Institutional Mechanism for the Advancement of Women" as important issues for progress and development of women's status. And She gave a welcoming address expressed the hope that the participants here would become excellent human resources for the future development of women and, more broadly, the whole all human beings.

Kyung-Nam Paek, Chairperson of the Presidential Commission on Women's Affairs (PCWA), gave an encouraging speech in the opening ceremony. Noting that MUNCSW is a cooperative joint project with PCWA, she hoped it would become a successful educational program for the expansion of women's political participation. She also emphasized the importance of giving support at the national level and of activating joint project between non-governmental organizations and governments. Yun-Sook Lee, Chairperson of the Commission on Women's Affairs of the National Assembly acclaimed KIWP's achievement in providing this precious opportunity of learning the procedural rules of international conferences in her speech. She further hoped future conferences will provide similar occasions to many more woman since MUNCSW is a continuing program. Sung-Ja Chang, Chief of Director of the Presidential Commission on Women's Affairs, as the chief judge, set out standards of evaluation for participants' performance based on their keynote addresses, and participation in formal and informal meetings. She encouraged them to have a good competition and to make the most out of this important opportunity to upgrade gender equality as international women leaders who will lead the development of women in and out of Korea.

Prior to the 2000 MUNCSW there had been four orientations on the "Education and Training of Women", "Violence against Women" and "Institutional Mechanism for the Advancement of Women".Participants learned about the current international issues on women and the procedural rules of UN conferences through these orientations. There were 15 participating state parties chosen from the 45 member states of CSW according to their continental division. Based on the general discussions during the formal and informal sessions, delegates from the 15 participating state parties, International Organizations, and NGOs adopted the final resolution on August 16th. After holding the 2000 MUNCSW for 3 days, the judges committee, consisting of related experts, chose the winner. The prizewinner of the 2000 MUNCSW was Yeon-hee Roh (Senior, Major in Politics, Korea University), who won the privilege of participating in the 45th UNCSW at UN Headquarters in New York. KIWP plans to hold MUNCSW every year and envisions that the 2001 MUNCSW will provide more opportunities for young women.

* 2000 Model UN Commission on the Status of Women (MUNCSW) Schedule *

End of May:

Began recruitment of participants from all over the nation and began publicity campaign for MUNCSW.

30th June:

Deadline for participant recruitment.

5th July:

First orientation detailed the role and function of the UN, described the Commission on the Status of Women, and organized the delegates by nation.

14th July:

Second orientation explained the MUNCSW agenda.

27th July:

Third orientation presented conference procedures and reviewed the processing status of each nation.

27th July - 4th August:

Team teaching for the delegates, international organizations and NGOs.

9th August:

Fourth orientation gave mock-rehearsal for MUNCSW and set deadline for the government's address.

15th August:

Began registration of participants

16th August:

Opening session started at 9 A.M. Election of officers

17th - 18th August:

Adopted final resolution of 2000 MUNCSW. Held Closing and Awards Ceremonies.

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Leadership Training for Young Women

The Korean Institute for Women & Politics (KIWP) held its Leadership Training for Young Women at the Korean Women's Development Institute (KWDI) every Saturday from September 23 to October 21, 2000, under the sponsorship of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

This 5-program series consisted of several workshops including, Women as a Critical Citizen by Prof. Kyung-Ok Jeon, Status of Korean Women by Eun-Kyung Kim (Vice Director of KIWP), Leadership Development Training by Chang-Suk Song. Further workshops were led by visiting civil organizations  Peoples Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Leadership Development Workshop. Sessions also included visiting the Seoul Metropolitan Council, discussions with leading women politicians Dr. Jung-Sook Kim, Ms. Song-Hwa Yoo, Ms. Chun-Ja Lim, and small group discussions. With about 30 participants, the program continues KIWP's dedication in the development of future women leaders, raising awareness on current politics and fostering the future political participation of women.

1. Women as a Critical Citizen

Kyung-ok Jeon (Professor of Sookmyung Women's University/ Politics)

Women are responsible for becoming active, critical citizens in order to advance women's rights. Many people feel that their citizenship already consists of many responsibilities and obligations. However, while democratic Korean society dictates that the state must respect the rights of every citizen, people must protect their rights in order to fully enjoy them.

Therefore, considering the philosophical and moral basis for becoming a citizen, entering civil society, and upholding civil culture is crucial.  For example, what exactly are the specific responsibilities and obligations of citizens?  Furthermore, this provides an opportunity to focus on how women, who have a consciousness, can serve as leaders of progress.

It then becomes important to realize the necessity for new leadership in today's society.  Exploring the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic, civil society will uncover the true meanings of "democracy" and "civil society".  This in turn, will make it easier for women to demand a true democracy, full citizenship, and the ability to practice the rights of citizens in our society.

The roles available for women to become critical citizens are numerous.  Women can participate directly in the decision-making process on the political level, or contribute to the spread of equality in social values and power relations through daily, active participation in civil movements.  These include attending local citizen's meetings, engaging in human rights related activities, contributing to relief efforts in North Korea and other reform movements.  From the community level to national affairs, the need for women's participation is endless.  Furthermore, it is just as important to fight for equality, not only during times of stability, but also through economic hardship or political turmoil.

2. Operation of Seoul Metropolitan Council

JongGyeun Kim (Assistant Director of Seoul Metropolitan Government)

(1) General Meeting

Proceedings of the Seoul Metropolitan Council are decided in General Meetings. More than 1/3 of registered council members must be present at a General Meeting.  Regulations dictate that bills can only be passed, except in special cases, with the attendance of a majority of the members and a majority vote by the members present. Members who want to make speeches must obtain prior approval from the President, but any member may ask questions, make supplementary speeches, speak on proceedings or present personal opinions.

The President rules with respect to decision-making, such as in the case of a tie vote, which automatically rejects a bill. Council meetings are usually open to the general public. However, if more than 2/3 of the attending members agree with a motion made by more than 1/3 of thecouncil members, or if it is deemed necessary by the President to maintain security and order, meetings may be held in a closed session. Bills presented in a council meeting, but not decided on during that session, remain alive, except in the case that the office terms of council members have expired. Bills rejected at the meeting cannot be moved or resubmitted during the same session.

(2) Standing Committee

A Standing Committee is an institution established within the Council to examine a variety of bills professionally and efficiently. The standing committee is open during any session the chairman deemsnecessary or upon request by more than 1/3 of the registered members. When the council is not in session, a meeting may be convened in order to examine bills at the resolution of the committee, when the President deems it necessary or upon request by the Mayor. Currently, there are 8 standing committees: the Council Steering Committee, the Administration & Autonomy Committee, the Planning & Economy Committee, the Environment & Water Resources Committee, the Culture, Education, Health & Social Affairs Committee, the Construction Committee, the City Management Committee, and the Transportation Committee.

(3) Special Committee

A Special Committee is organized when it is considered necessary to investigate a specific matter. It is usually operated with less than 20 members. (The Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, operates with less than 33 members) The special committee exists until the bill being investigated is resolved in a general meeting. Committee membership exists solely within the time period of the specific committee.

3. Meeting with women members of the National Assembly and local council

(1) Jung-Sook Kim (Member of National Assembly / Chairperson of KIWP)

It has been over 10 years since I first attempted to become a member of the National Assembly in 1988. Women's participation in the general election was generally disapproved of at that time, and even women didn't want to know about me. Even though I had previous experience within a political party and am an education expert, my first election attempt was a failure.

Then, I thought that is exactly why women should participate in politics; that is how women are to gain active participation in politics. So I decided to work with other women and systematically study the problem. To achieve these goals, I founded the Korean Institute for Women and Politics (KIWP) in 1989. Since then, KIWP has offered programs on political education, leadership training, research, and held seminars, conferences, and networking activities at the national and international level for over 10 years.

Becoming a women member of the National Assembly is not easy. Women are expected to do many things simultaneously. Not only is there the work for the National Assembly, but I am also a 24-hour housewife.

By becoming a woman member of the National Assembly, I wanted to make sure that women were participating in politics, even though mainstream thought says women should not be in politics. Yet, women are the subject of politics and engage in politics every day and with each decision. Daily, women choose fresh, cheap vegetables, discuss the parking problem at neighborhood meetings, select a child's camping place at the parents meeting of their child's school, register with labor unions and elect board members of labor unions, write reaction letters in response to newspaper articles and decide where to go for the holidays.

I think that women's participation in politics can produce many necessary changes. Their dynamic participation would bring a fresh energy to the politicalarena. Thus, if they want reform, women can solve the problem by becoming interested and active in politics.

(2) Chun-Ja Lim (Member of Kangnam-gu council)

In the current political situation, it's hard to achieve women's participation because men dominate. However, the long-term activities in the local areas may help women candidates. Local autonomy is different for each area, based on the daily politics. This may encourage more women to participate in the local political arena as it affects their daily lives. Therefore, the main objects of our efforts are the women who engage in local politics. The power to make reforms in the political arena is only possible through the voices of women from the bottom up, including the active participation of young women leaders.

(3) Song-Hwa Rhu (Member of Dobong-gu council)

The budgets of national and local governments contain the policies, proposals and vision of society. Since gaining access to the budget documents of each administration, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have concentrated on monitoring the national budget, largely ignoring local budget activities. However, on the local level, budget-monitoring activities could help reduce expenditures and, as a side effect, develop policies for the local situation. It may help local residents by encouraging the development of local autonomy and enabling them to engage local autonomy centers with NGOs in their area.  Based on this, many activists feel developing local autonomy is a necessary means for progress.

4. Leadership Training

(1) What are the differences in women's leadership?

- Ideal women leaders and leadership style; understanding of women leaders

(2) Practice for improving leadership

- Experience negotiations through the Pencil Game

- Practice reinforcing self-management

(3) Discussion

- Values of political leaders

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Future Activities

KIWP 2001 PLAN

Holding 2001 the 3rd Model UN Commission on the Status of Women

Civic Education

Budgetary Feed back Activities for Young Leaders

Human Rights Camp for Elementary School Students

Education & Training for 2002 Local Election

Training for women candidates who want to run in the 2002 Local Election

Finding a Solution for the activation of Local Women's Participation in Politics

Academic Seminar

The 12th anniversary of the commemorative International Seminar

Holding the 'Women's Forum on Politics' (Every Other Month)

Holding the 'Forum on Model UN Commission on Status of Women ' (Every Other Month)

Joint Activities with Women Organizations in National & International Level

Strengthening the Joint Activities with Asia-Pacific Women's Organizations

Strengthening the Joint Activities with East Asian Women's Organizations

(5 Nations)

Strengthening KIWP Status as a NGO in SPECIAL consultative status with the UN ECOSOC

Activation of KIWP Homepage

Publications

Publication of 'Women's Participation in Politics in the World'

Publication of KIWP Newsletter - 'Women & Politics' (Every Other Month)