SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (HRNW) — Women and older workers in South Korea face widespread and systemic discrimination throughout their working lives, according to a new Human Rights Watch report calling for stronger legal and social protections.
The 92-page report, titled Too Old and A Woman, examines discrimination affecting women from employment and career development through retirement and old age.
Human Rights Watch interviewed 41 women between the ages of 28 and 87 and consulted 59 experts for the report.
The organization said women face barriers in recruitment, promotion, pay and career advancement, while older women are particularly vulnerable to being pushed into low-paid and precarious employment.
The report also highlights gender disparities in retirement security. Human Rights Watch said the average National Old Age Pension received by women is substantially lower than that received by men, reflecting inequalities accumulated throughout women’s working lives.
The organization is calling on South Korean authorities to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, strengthen fair-employment policies and improve pension protection for older women.
Human Rights Watch said tackling discrimination requires addressing inequalities across the entire life cycle rather than focusing only on individual workplace incidents.
The findings have renewed calls for stronger protections for women and older workers and for policies that guarantee equal treatment, economic security and dignity throughout working life and retirement.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on findings and statements published by Human Rights Watch. The statistics, interviews and assessments cited are attributed to the organization and are presented for news and public-awareness purposes.
