In light of the death of North Korean’s inscrutable leader, Kim Jong Il, who died of a heart attack last Saturday, we take a look into the lives of women in the democratic country that we hear so little about.
Regarded as one of the world’s most-repressive leaders abroad, Kim Jong Il is strangely revered by the people of North Korea.
Of the most poignant and widely publicised accounts of women exploitation and brutality in North Korea; where women were made sex slaves for the Japanese military – a notorious practice carried out by Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. These women suffered at the hands of the Japanese troops and many did not survive the ordeal while others suffered profound psychological effects.
In traditional Korean society, many women are illiterate and have never received formal education. Things began to change in the late 19th century when Korea was open to foreign contact. Christian missionaries started settling in and establishing girls’ schools, hence giving Korean girls an opportunity for education.
Historically, back in the Chosn Dynasty, women were typically given the role to ensure the continuation of the family line. They are expected to give birth to and raise male heirs for the household. Women had few opportunities to participate in the social, economic, or political life of society. However, there were a few exceptions to boundaries imposed on women’s positions. For example, female shamans were engaged to cure illnesses by exorcising evil spirits, to pray for rain during droughts, or to perform divination and fortune telling.
North Korea underwent several significant reforms, which totally changed the social and family structures after the liberation from Japan in 1945. On July 30, 1946, authorities from north of the 38th parallel passed a Sex Equality Law. The 1972 constitution declared “women hold equal social status and rights with men.”
Fast forward to the modern-day North Korea, women are fully expected to participate in the work force outside the home. In view of the nation’s labour shortage, women’s employment was considered an essential asset to the country’s economy.
Despite such positive examples, however, it appears that women are far from being fully liberated. Sons are still clearly favoured over daughters. Women are still expected to contribute to the labour force whilst taking care of the household and raising of children.
With the passing of Kim Jong Il, his youngest son, Kim Jong Un will succeed his father as the country’s leader. The question here therefore lies on everyone’s mind: what will happen next?
Only time will tell.
source;
http://www.venusbuzz.com/archives/2681/women-in-north-korea/