Clarification on Misunderstandings About the Ministry of Gender Equality via Facebook
"Repeated Apologies for Power-Related Sexual Crimes, Humbly Accepting Criticism"
"Disagree with Distinguishing Perpetrators and Victims by Gender"
Jeong Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is attending the Cabinet meeting held via video at the Government Seoul Office on the 22nd. It has been reported that officials from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family were excluded from the list of professional and working-level members of the 20th Presidential Transition Committee. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Jung Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, expressed her position on the new government's transition committee's proposal to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF), stating, "If possible, I believe that the ministry responsible for gender equality should also handle care in the next government."
On the 1st, Minister Jung said through the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's Facebook, "The work of care, including childcare, should be approached from a gender equality perspective, not because it is the role of women, in order to solve our country's serious low birthrate problem."
Referring to an article published in a daily newspaper, Minister Jung said, "While I humbly accept correct criticisms, explanations are needed for misunderstandings about the efforts made by MOGEF so far," and shared her stance on issues such as power-based sexual violence cases, the low proportion of women in senior positions in Korea, and controversies over gender equality education videos.
Regarding the response to power-based sexual violence cases, Minister Jung explained, "Although we have apologized several times, I believe there were parts that did not meet the public's expectations, and I humbly accept the criticism. As the victim's lawyer in the Seoul case revealed, MOGEF has been providing necessary support such as counseling, legal, and medical assistance for victims, and has continuously worked to improve laws and systems to prevent secondary damage."
She also mentioned that compared to gender-equal countries where the proportion of women in senior positions reaches 40-50%, Korea's proportion remains low. Minister Jung said, "Considering the abysmally low ratio of women in senior and political positions relative to Korea's economic and diplomatic status, questions should first be raised about the numerous ministries that have had only male ministers rather than why the Minister of Gender Equality and Family is a woman."
She continued, "I find it difficult to agree with the criticism that the position of Minister of Gender Equality and Family has been shared among an inner circle of women or that anyone without expertise can be appointed. Based on my experience handling senior government personnel affairs, the considerations for senior appointments include not only the candidate's academic or professional expertise but also drive, political ability, morality, the relationship between ministers and vice ministers, and the overall balance of appointments made at the same time."
Regarding the controversy over the video by the Institute for Gender Equality Education Promotion, Minister Jung stated, "As I have already said several times, I do not agree with the method of distinguishing perpetrators and victims by gender. MOGEF never excludes men in all its initiatives, including support for digital sexual violence victims and out-of-school youth. Women and men are fathers and daughters, colleagues at work, and members of a community that must respond together to crises such as climate change and COVID-19."
On the support work for victims of Japanese military 'comfort women,' she said, "Now, only twelve registered survivors of the Japanese military 'comfort women' remain. We identify their needs for medical, housing, and daily life support and provide tailored assistance. MOGEF staff regularly contact the grandmothers to help them live stably without difficulties. We must continue international efforts to restore the honor of the grandmothers."
Minister Jung emphasized, "Although MOGEF is still lacking in many ways, I will do my best to fulfill the ministry's mission for a gender-equal society and a society where marginalized people are cared for by addressing these shortcomings."
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