Mobilising the EU-South Korea Digital Partnership – Moving Towards Gender Equality

South Korea and the European Union (EU) are 'like-minded partners' who have strengthened their relationship over the past decade. Ranking as one of the lowest OECD countries regarding Gender Equality, the ROK has room for growth. The Gender Pay Gap and Online violence toward women are highly prevalent in South Korea. The upcoming digital partnership with the EU should consider this. This EIAS Policy Brief will analyse South Korea's approach to gender equality while comparing it with the situation in the EU and identifying avenues for joint action and cooperation.

Leaders of the EU and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have emphasised the need for a more human rights-based approach to digitalisation. Considering the ROK ranks as one of the lowest OECD countries in terms of gender equality this should be an area of concern for both partners. The World Economic Forum (WEF) ranks the ROK 124th out of 149 countries in terms of economic participation and opportunities for women. As well as this issue with the gender pay gap South Korea reports a high amount of online violence towards women.

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Authors: Jessica Clifford and Tanja Krawietz, EIAS Junior Researchers

Photo credits: Flickr