The National YWCA of Korea has been conducting a two-person protest against the proposed abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family from November 7th throughout the month of November. The protest takes place in front of Myeongdong Cathedral, aiming to spread a proper understanding of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family among citizens and encourage participation through a text message campaign. The text message campaign involves sending messages urging members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Gender Equality and Family to actively oppose the abolition of the ministry. This campaign is supported by 52 regional YWCAs nationwide, including the YWCA Korea.
The YWCA Korea has actively engaged in activities opposing the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family since the 20th presidential election process. In December, they released a policy proposal titled <Policy Suggestions for the 20th Presidential Election in Korea> containing measures to strengthen the gender equality policy system. They have advocated for the enhancement of gender equality through meetings with officials from the Presidential Transition Committee, demonstrations in front of the committee, and other activities. On April 2nd, they submitted a demand letter titled <Demands from the National YWCA of Korea for the Expansion and Strengthening of Functions of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family> outlining plans for expanding and strengthening the functions of a ministry dedicated to gender equality.
Subsequently, the YWCA Korea has actively participated in joint actions against the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, including a press conference on September 19th titled <Call for the Resignation of Minister Kim Hyun-sook of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family>, concentrated efforts on social media, and relay contributions.
In particular, after the Ministry of Public Administration and Security announced the government organizational restructuring plan, including the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, on October 6th, the YWCA Korea intensified its efforts. On October 11th, the Coalition to Oppose the Abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, including the YWCA Korea, held a press conference condemning the attempt by the Yoon Administration to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. On October 19th, they conducted an urgent forum titled <Why is it that women are dying but the government is trying to abolishs the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family?- Examining the Stalking Punishment Law and the Role of the Government through the Sin Dang Station Stalking and Murder Case>.
The YWCA Korea, along with regional YWCAs, is also participating in the nationwide action titled <Nationwide Civic Action for Opposing the Abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and Strengthening Gender Equality Policies>, initiated on November 8th.
Currently, the YWCA Korea considers opposing the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family as a major campaign objective. They continue to engage in joint activities while also conducting their own initiatives. Since October 7th, they have installed banners and signs in 34 locations, including the wording <What Needs to Be Abolished Is Not the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, but Inequality and Hatred>, to raise public awareness and convey the voices of women opposing the abolition of the ministry. They are also actively monitoring attempts by local governments, such as in Goyang, to eliminate gender equality departments, responding promptly.
The maintenance and enhancement of a ministry dedicated to gender equality are seen as responses to gender equality democracy and international commitments towards building an equal society. The YWCA Korea remains committed to opposing the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and persistently advocating for the strengthening of an exclusive ministry dedicated to gender equality.
