On March 8, North Korea called for large celebrations to mark International Women’s Day and glorify women as socialist revolutionaries. The state-run Korean Association of Social Scientists even issued a statement that reads, “Today many women in the world suffer from deprivation of political rights and social inequalities. However, women lead a happy life as masters of the state and society [in North Korea where] women’s rights are ensured.” With photos showing recreational activities held specifically for women and joyful-looking citizens posing, dancing and enjoying performances in front of the Pyongyang Grand Theatre circulating the internet, it is easy for the rest of the world to forget that most North Korean women still suffer in a largely patriarchal society and are frequently used as propaganda tools of the regime.
BEHIND THE HEADLINES
The emphasis on the Kim family’s continuous efforts to “unfold a new era of women’s importance and respect for women for the first time in history” can be viewed as North Korea’s attempt to display its superiority over its rival southern neighbor, which has recently been accused of undermining women’s rights movements. North Korean women appear to be undoubtedly gaining more visibility and influence in society, with this generation of female politicians making up nearly 18 percent of the government, just 1.5 percent lower than that of South Korea.
Over the years, North Korea has made a number of surprising moves to empower women in leadership positions. For instance, Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, who accompanied her brother’s inner circle during a series of summits with South Korea and the U.S. in 2018, was the first North Korean woman to appear in the country’s overseas diplomacy. The country also notably appointed its top nuclear negotiator, Choe Son-hui, as its first female Foreign Minister in June 2022. Moreover, unlike his late father and grandfather, who were rarely seen in public with the female family members, Kim Jong-un repeatedly appeared in high-profile diplomatic visits, celebratory events, military parades with his wife, Ri Sol-ju, who often made headlines for her modern, stylish appearance. In addition, following a number of unusual public appearances of Kim Jong-un’s daughter, Kim Ju-ae, North Korea has unveiled new postage stamps featuring his daughter, which sparked new speculations that the country may be preparing for its first female leader.
WOMEN PRAISED AS TOOLS OF CHILDBIRTH
Traditionally, women in North Korea receive flowers from their husbands and children on Women’s Day while the national and municipal governments host various cultural events to show their appreciation for women’s efforts in the development of the socialist country. This year, state media, Rodong Sinmun, took the opportunity to praise women as the “flowers or heroines of the country” and for their dedication and loyalty to their leader, Kim Jong-un. Not only do women play the role of breadwinners who dominate the black market and create more than 70 percent of the country’s household income, North Korean society places the heavy burden of housework on women and recognizes the kitchen as a “woman’s space.” As such, the media highlighted women’s responsibilities as housewives, daughters-in-law, wives and mothers who should always take good care of their in-laws, actively encourage their husbands and children to perform their duties for the country and participate in the Kim dynasty.
Women were also urged to bear more children so they would eventually serve in the army as an act of the “greatest patriotism.” Sources told Radio Free Asia that a series of ideological lectures were held for housewives across the country that commended legendarily fertile women and historical women who supported soldiers in wartime as true patriots, as well as collected donations to support the military despite their difficult living conditions. Women who have sent many children to the military are honored with a trip to Pyongyang and promised by Kim Jong-un that the most active supporters would be invited to important military celebrations. It is interesting to note the heavy reliance on manpower in North Korea, where 1.15 million people are enlisted in the army, with men serving seven or eight years and women encouraged to join for up to five years, compared to the South’s 555,000 military personnel.
Despite this year’s pomp and circumstance, North Korea’s long history of mistreatment of women have caused international observers to continuously express concerns about women’s rights, especially when reports by South Korea’s Ministry of Unification show that North Korean women are still discriminated against due to their fixed gender roles in society and limited social advancements.
