￮ As part of the Basic Act on Gender Equality, South Korea annually releases the National Gender Equality Index and Regional Gender Equality Index to assess and analyze Korea’s prevailing state of gender equality, underlying causes of extant inequity, and progress at both national and regional levels. This initiative aims to evaluate the current direction and challenges of gender equality policies and propose new policies, with the goal of achieving tangible gender equality.
￮ Between 2016 and 2017, Jeolnbuk Province held a top-ranking position in the Regional Gender Equality Index. However, in the following years, its ranking consistently fell and by 2021, it was deemed a lower ranking region. Consequently, there is a pressing need to proactively respond and improve upon this matter.
The goals of this study include reviewing the level of regional gender equality in Jeollabuk-do, formulating improvement strategies for areas with low gender equality indicators, and suggesting management strategies for continuous index enhancement.
￮ First, this study introduces the concept of a gender equality index and explains the composition and trends of international, national, and regional gender equality indices. Second, the study conducts a comparative analysis of regional statistics for Jeollabuk-do across various areas based on data availability, encompassing a total of 14 local government areas.
￮ The national gender equality index is uses indicators capable of accurately assessing the state of gender equality in Korea; the regional gender equality index is likewise constructed using similar or related indicators. However, certain indicator categories are influenced by regional demographics. Therefore, it is essential to concentrate on index fluctuation trends and strategize subsequent improvement, rather than solely fixating on rankings.
￮ Identifying region-specific indicators for the gender equality index is crucial to enhancing regional gender equality. It is essential to actively build the social foundation necessary for gender equality, considering the population and economic conditions of Jeollabuk-do.
￮ Enhancing regional gender equality indices necessitates the active engagement and dedication of not only metropolitan areas, but also the 14 fundamental local government units in Jeollabuk-do. To foster gender equality
and institutionalize it locally, it is imperative to establish data collection and analysis practices in the indicator areas of these local government units and propose improvement strategies accordingly.
￮ To establish a culture of gender equality culture at the local level, it is crucial to promote women-welcoming cities and initiate women-friendly projects in Jeollabuk-do.
￮ Further, instead of concentrating solely on immediate improvements to index rankings, a long-term approach is imperative. A long-term approach entails formulating medium- and long-term plans, conducting assessments, and setting targets, in contrast to short-term projects.
￮ In addition to annual plans based on the central government’s conclusions, a more proactive approach is warranted, including the "Jeonbuk Gender Equality Long-Term Basic Plan" and active policymaking for women and families.
￮ With Jeollabuk-do on the cusp of achieving its “Jeonbuk Special Self-governing Province” status and transitioning into an era of complete local governance, it is paramount that the city lays the groundwork for local safety through preventative measures on autonomous policing, safety, and security. This entails establishing systems to combat crimes, such as dating violence and digital harassment, and establishing strong policy foundations for local safety.
￮ It is important to note that the lower scores in the welfare sector do not merely indicate a lack of capacity in welfare. Therefore, it is necessary for the government to actively promote welfare, develop multi-departmental response strategies to welfare crises, and mount effective public relations to address this issue.
