Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon said Wednesday he would "remove the walls of discrimination one by one" to build a Gangseo-gu where the word "gender equality" is no longer needed.
Jin made the remarks at a ceremony marking Gender Equality Week, held that day at Gangseo Atrium, saying the district had "worked consistently toward a gender-equal society, but there is still a long way to go."
He cited the "glass-ceiling index" published by the British business magazine The Economist, saying the gap was clear. "When you look at the indicators and survey results on gender equality, the disparity is unmistakable," he said.
Jin said South Korea had long ranked last among 29 OECD member countries on the index before recently climbing one spot to 28th. He added that an invisible glass wall appeared to remain in Korean society, blocking women's participation.
He drew on data released by the Ministry of Employment and Labor — including the gender wage gap and the share of female CEOs at companies — to support his argument.
Jin also highlighted signs of change within the local community.
"At a time when greater efforts for gender equality are needed, it is deeply meaningful that Gangseo-gu's first female district council speaker and first female police precinct chief have taken office," he said, adding that women now account for more than 50 percent of senior civil servants at the district office. He said women were "playing a central role as a driving force across the community, leading local growth," and pledged to do his utmost to advance women's empowerment and achieve gender equality.
The district held the event during Gender Equality Week, which runs from Tuesday through Monday, to reflect on the values and significance of gender equality alongside residents and to promote a culture of equality throughout the community.
About 200 people attended, including members of women's organizations and local residents. The program featured the presentation of commendations to individuals recognized for contributions to gender equality, an awards ceremony for winners of a gender-equality contest, and a pop-opera performance and talk concert.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
