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JOANNE LEE May 29, 2004 GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN SEOUL, KOREA

MEDIA AND WOMEN’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS - Korean Case. JOANNE LEE May 29, 2004 GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN SEOUL, KOREA. C ONTENT. 1. Preface 2. Status of Women in Korean Economy In General Historical Overview Barriers Changing Issues 3. Policy & Institutional Reforms

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JOANNE LEE May 29, 2004 GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN SEOUL, KOREA

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  1. MEDIA AND WOMEN’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS - Korean Case JOANNE LEE May 29, 2004 GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN SEOUL, KOREA

  2. CONTENT 1. Preface 2. Status of Women in Korean Economy In General Historical Overview Barriers Changing Issues 3. Policy & Institutional Reforms 1994 Beijing Platform for Action 1997 Asian Financial Crisis 4. Women’s Economic Role In Korean Mass Media In General As Consumers As Entrepreneurs As Workers 5. Recommendations 6. The Brave New World GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  3. I. PREFACE • Historically, Korean women have been alienated, discriminated against and underutilized in the work place. • Women’s economic role has been largely overlooked or wrongly stereotyped and perpetuated by the media, though it is beginning to change for the better. • The financial crisis of 1997 brought the realization that Korea needed to adopt global standards to survive and prosper in today’s interconnected global market. • Integration of educated women into workforce and full utilization of their potential is a must for Korea to reach its goal of $20,000 per capita economy. • Mass media has an important role to play in changing and promoting women’s economic profile for the future. GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  4. II. STATUS OF WOMEN IN KOREAN ECONOMY In General Korean Bureau of Statistics Jul. 2004 • Women active in economic field 1994 - 47.8% of female population 2003 - 49.6% of female population(vs OECD 61.3%) (9.56Million / 19.28Mil) • Women’s pay scale 1990 - 55% of men 2001 - 64.3% of men 2002 - 63.9% of men • Public pension fund participation Women 31% VS Men 65% (Average life expectancy Female 85 Male 77 ) GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  5. II. STATUS OF WOMEN IN KOREAN ECONOMY Historical Overview GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  6. II. STATUS OF WOMEN IN KOREAN ECONOMY Barriers • Ingrained gender stereotyping in education from early childhood - Text Book - Teacher Counseling • Gender discriminatory practices in employment and work environment • Lack of child care facilities and support • Inflexible work hours Vicious cycle of M curve GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  7. II. STATUS OF WOMEN IN KOREAN ECONOMY Changing Issues 1960-1970 1980 1990 2003 CHEAP LABOR FACTORY WORKERS FEMALE MANAGERS CLERKS LONELY FEW OFFICE WORK PRESSURE FOR EQUALITY PROFESSIONALIZATION Cost Advantage Convenience Supplementary Role Token Case “Glass Wall” 15-20% Critical Mass Business Necessity ISSUES : 90’S DISCRIMINATION & UNDERUTILIZATION 2000’s LEADERSHIP & WIN-WIN GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  8. II. STATUS OF WOMEN IN KOREAN ECONOMY Discriminations Yonhap News Service Feb. 24, 2004 • Survey of 2, 347 female workers by MINISTRY of LABOR & JOB KOREA CO. 60.8% Discrimination in assignments 58.3% Limited promotion 45.8% Maternity leave will hamper career 15.9% Pressured to quit when married • Survey of 2, 325 married female workers aged 20-30 52.5% Experienced discrimination when married 36.1% Received pressure to leave when pregnant 16.6% Reduction / Freeze in pay 15.9% Exempted from promotion 70 % Quit GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  9. II. STATUS OF WOMEN IN KOREAN ECONOMY Discriminations Yonhap News Service Feb. 24, 2004 • Survey of 1, 205 married w / no children 39.5% For lack of child care facilities 17.8% Child care expense too heavy 20 % Planning no children • Solution 41.9% Government 24.3% Business 23.2% Social Prejudice 5.2% Self GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  10. II. STATUS OF WOMEN IN KOREAN ECONOMY Underutilization of Women Employment by Age by Country Why Avoid Women? 1997 Survey of 100 Large Business KWDI 28% Low Loyalty 14% Quit Easily 14% Business Trip / Night Work 14% Poor Integration into Organization 11% Work Not Suitable For Women 8% More Absences GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  11. II. STATUS OF WOMEN IN KOREAN ECONOMY Vicious Cycle of M Curve GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  12. III. POLICY & INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS • 1995 - Beijing Platform for Action • 1995.10 - “Women’s Development Act” - Gender Equality Roadmap - 30% Representation of women in broadcasting oversight committees by 2005 - Creation of objective standards to evaluate gender based stereotypes in mass media - Legal basis for rectifying gender discriminatory factors in employment & other areas • 1997 - Asian Financial Crisis • 1998 - D.J. Kim Administration Pro-women Policy Implementation • 2001.1 - “Ministry of Gender Equality” Woman Korea : A McKinsey Report GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  13. III. POLICY & INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS • 2001.11 - “Protection of Motherhood “ Act • “Women’s Economic Development” Act • 2003. 3 - Revision of “Women’s Development Act” • 2003. 6 - “Promotion of Women in Science & Technology” Act • 2003. 7 - Affirmative Action for Female Teachers in Public Universities (20% Goal 2003 – 2007) • 2004. 1 - “Child Care” Act Transfer of child care division to Ministry of Gender Equality from Ministry of Health & Welfare GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  14. IV. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ROLE IN KOREAN MASS MEDIA Media Coverages in General Up to 1990’s: • Perpetuation of gender biased stereotypes • Lack of interest, little coverages of women as economic entities • Shallow, passive reporting of statistics or releases given by other sources • No in-depth or investigative stories on women entrepreneurs except as novelties • One dimensional view of women as passive consumers 2000’s: • Increasing coverages of rising “women power” phenomenon • Trendy stories of venture CEO’s, IT, Entertainment Stars • Increasing visibility of women in politics, civil society, government and business • Still view business women as exceptions rather than norm ex. Web Search of Maeil Economic Daily (www.mk.co.kr) “Women” ( 0 ) Directory on Economy (53) Directory on Shopping/Beauty/Health ( 1 ) Site (2603) Sites GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  15. IV. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ROLE IN KOREAN MASS MEDIA Media Coverages in General 2004 : • Notable increase in coverages of women’s activities in general due to national election and affirmative action. Ex. “Child Care Should be Borne by Public Funding” “Women CEO Leadership Forum” – Women Times “Women Workers in Banking Paid Half of Male Counterparts” “Great Leap Forward for Women in New Hires & Government Exams” GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  16. IV. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ROLE IN KOREAN MASS MEDIA Digital Times 2004.2 Chosun Ilbo 2004.1 As Consumers • Control 90% of Department Store Sales • Decision Makers and Spenders of 80% of Household Disposable Income • Major Influence on Purchase of Big Ticket Items such as Houses, Cars, Furniture, Appliances, Family Vacations, etc. - Advertising • Over 100 Consumer Magazines Targeted for Women • “Cyber Women Power” – Internet Shopping by Volume 20002003 Male 12.5% 27.4% Female 12 % 37 % Ex. <Interpark>- Largest Cyber Mall Female Purchase 2001.1 38% www.interpark.com 2003.8 53% <Auction(E-bay)> 1999 19% www.auction.co.kr 2001 41% 2003 44% GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  17. IV. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ROLE IN KOREAN MASS MEDIA Chosun Ilbo 2004.1 As Consumers GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  18. IV. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ROLE IN KOREAN MASS MEDIA Small Medium Industry Authority 2003.8 As Entrepreneurs Coverages of Successful Professionals, CEO’s Housewife – Turned Entrepreneurs TREND 20% Increase in 5 years 1997 : 924,380 Women owned businesses 2000 : 1,021,515 Women owned businesses 2002 : 1,147,664 Women owned businesses PROFITABLE Profit Average KRW 21.5 Mil. Sales Average KRW 164.6 Mil. – 13.1% P/S vs Industry Avg. 2.7% P/S LOW DEBT RATIO 64.3% vs Industry Avg. 173.7% EMPLOYMENT 2003 Full-time Employment 2.13Mil. Avg. 2.06 persons 2001 Full-time Employment Avg. 3.5 persons DISADVANTAGE AS WOMEN 1999 40.8% 2003 26.5% GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  19. IV. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ROLE IN KOREAN MASS MEDIA Chosun Ilbo 2004.1 As Entrepreneurs Coverages of Successful Professionals, CEO’s Housewife – Turned Entrepreneurs GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  20. IV. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ROLE IN KOREAN MASS MEDIA As Workers ILO(2000) GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  21. V. RECOMMENDATIONS CHANGE THE MEDIA’S ROLE FROM PASSIVE OBSERVER TO THAT OF AN INSTIGATOR & LEADER IN WOMEN’S ISSUES AFFIRMATIVE ACTION • Increase women’s participation and access to decision-making process in media enterprises - Set goals & targets for gender balance in employment & management - Create gender friendly environment - Flexible work schedules - Establish mentoring systems in media MEDIA WATCH • Promote a balanced and non-stereo typed portrayal of women in mainstream media as active contributors to national economy and vital element for achieving national goals • Balance assignments on “Soft” issues such as fashion, culture, arts,, etc. with “Core” issues of politics, economy and current affairs GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  22. V. RECOMMENDATIONS ORGANIZE SUSTAINED MEDIA CAMPAIGN • Change gender biases & stereotypes • Empower women in economic progress • Expand news coverages of women sourced by women or with women’s perspectives • Promote and educate the public that … utilization of women’s resources is a must for Korea’ survival in 21c PUNISHMENTS AND INCENTIVES GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  23. THE WOMEN’S NEWS. INC. http://www.womennews.co.kr • Founded in 1988 after the Seoul Olympics through public stock offering. • Weekly 32 page tabloid format with readership of 98,000 • Led the feminist movement and became the voice of women’s activism for gender equality • Set the agenda for women’s issues in national & presidential elections • Initiated & hosted presidential candidates’ TV debates on women’s issues • Still financially vulnerable Focus • Up to 2003 - Feminist Activism for improved status of women - Political, Social Agenda including violence against women • 2004 - Leadership, Economy & Health GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  24. THE WOMEN’S NEWS. INC. [Top Ten Women's News in 2002] [1] Presidential candidate TV debate organized by women elevates the status of women groups [2] The death of two schoolgirls sparks nationwide campaign for the revision of the SOFA [3] Appointment of first women Prime Minister Chang Sang vetoed by legislators [4] The first inter-Korean Women’s Reunification Rally since national division [5] Korea’s birth rate of 1.3 the world’s lowest [6] Birth of the Committee on Women’s Affairs as a National Assembly Standing Committee [7] Anti-Prostitution Act proposed at the National Assembly [8] Passionate response of women the biggest contributor to a successful World Cup [9] ‘Cyber Mentoring’ campaign initiated by the Ministry of Gender Equality opens a new chapter in the women’s movement [10] VAT-exemption on sanitary napkins becomes a public issue GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

  25. VI. BRAVE NEW WORLD • Strong Political Will and Leadership • Collaboration of Government Media NGO’s Private Sector • Gender equality and full utilization of women power are crucial pre-requisites for Korea’s reaching her goal of joining the world’s 10 largest economies. • THE MARCH HAS JUST BEGUN. GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN 2004

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