What are some of the systemic hurdles, cultural challenges and society pressures preventing women from excelling in the workplace? 

South Korea is now the 11th largest economy, has the highest percentage of people with tertiary education in OECD countries and is one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries. Despite these successes, Korea has a 34 per cent gender pay gap and the highest glass-ceiling Index in developed countries. While Korean women are highly educated (82.3 per cent of 25 to 34-year old women have completed some sort of tertiary education), only 57.6 per cent of them are employed. Women also only make up 2 per cent of boardrooms in 2020 and are underrepresented in politics. Alarmingly, South Korea’s birth rates are at 0.98, with predictions stating that by 2750, the South Korean race could face natural extinction. With a growing number of South Korean women choosing to pursue their careers and independence over marriage and starting a family, Korea is facing a huge demographic crisis.

While some positive change is underway (feminist movements such as Me Too and Escape the Corset, new guidelines on “gender equality in recruitment”, 57 women voted in parliament in recent elections), there is still a long way to go before Korea can benefit from the potential of its entire population.

Join this multi-disciplinary panel as we examine the social, economic, and business impact of gender inequality in South Korea, how Korea could benefit from greater empowerment from women, and what opportunities COVID-19 could bring to women in Korea.

Date: Tuesday 1 September 2020
Time: 11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m

This event is free and open to the public, registration is essential. For access to exclusive events, become an Asia Society Australia member.