South Korean Female Students Protest Co-Education at All-Female Universities
In South Korea, female students have been protesting for nearly three weeks against the decision to admit male students to all-female universities, particularly at Dongdeok College in Seoul. The protests began on November 11, when students occupied the main building and classrooms, forcing the administration to shift classes online. The university's administration announced plans to open design and performing arts programs to male students, citing a declining population and the need for sustainability. However, students have vehemently opposed this move, with slogans like “Death is easier for us than opening our doors.”
The protests reflect a broader concern among young women in South Korea regarding their safety and the preservation of spaces dedicated to female education. Many students enrolled in these institutions specifically for their female-only environments, which they believe are crucial for promoting women's educational rights. Student council president Choi Hyun-ah emphasized that moving to a co-educational system undermines the very purpose of women's universities, which were established to foster female talent in a patriarchal society.
Political Implications and Gender Inequality in South Korea
As the protests have escalated, they have also become a political issue. The ruling conservative party has condemned the protests, with party chairman Han Dong-hoon calling for accountability for any property damage caused. In contrast, opposition politicians have accused the government of using the protests to divert attention from their political challenges. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in South Korea, which ranks 94th out of 146 countries in terms of gender equality, according to the World Economic Forum. The protests not only signify a fight for educational rights but also reflect a deeper societal issue regarding women's safety and representation in a male-dominated culture.
