I believe that the answer for gender equality in the South Korean science and technology sector must be found in its cultural roots.
On the 19th, at the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET) in Seoul, Nisreen El Hashemite, chair of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), noted that "an approach based on South Korea's unique cultural identity is necessary to expand women's rights and opportunities."
El Hashemite is the last surviving princess of the fallen Iraqi royal family from 1958. As an international leader as a woman scientist, she has been actively working to promote gender equality in the scientific community. Since 2012, she has been leading efforts to support women scientists around the world as the chair of RASIT, a non-governmental international organization established by Saudi royalty.
On that day, El Hashemite said, "I naturally made efforts for the education and empowerment of women, influenced by a family that values gender equality," adding, "My grandfather, former Iraqi King Faisal I, reflected gender equality in the Iraqi constitution in 1922, and my father, Faisal II, was also dedicated to providing equal opportunities to both genders through education."
Growing up in such an environment, El Hashemite has ventured into the fields of science and medicine, researching biomedical science and genomics. She stated, "I am a physician and scientist before being an activist for the status and advancement of women in science and technology," and shared that her experiences of gender discrimination in academia and workplace pay gaps between men and women strongly motivated her to fight for gender equality.
El Hashemite established the International Alliance of Women in Science in 1998 to begin supporting women scientists worldwide. In particular, in 2015, she contributed to establishing February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, earning recognition for leading a global movement to acknowledge women's achievements in science and break down the barriers they face.
However, El Hashemite remarked, "Although I have worked for decades for gender equality in the scientific community, we are still far from our goal, as practices in drug research often disregard women's biological differences," and emphasized that collaboration is needed to expand women's participation in science and technology.
He referred to South Korea as "a very developed country," but added, "Women's participation and leadership in the science and technology sector must be expanded. South Korean women should have more opportunities to stand out." Earlier, the Nature Index pointed out in its special issue on South Korea last August that "gender inequality in research funding and leadership is a serious issue faced by South Korea," saying, "Policymaking for the hiring, retention, and promotion of female researchers is a critical task tied to the country's future."
Nevertheless, El Hashemite highlighted the need to consider each country's unique cultural context when addressing gender equality issues. He stated, "While following global standards is important, an approach based on each nation's cultural roots is necessary," and added, "For the promotion of women scientists' rights and improvement of their environment, South Korea also needs cultural change."
He also mentioned, "Policies for gender equality should go beyond simply increasing the number of women scientists," stating, "It is essential to create an environment where women scientists who have entered the science and technology sector do not leave and can achieve professional success while balancing their personal lives."
El Hashemite suggested practical measures such as establishing workplace childcare facilities and expanding the introduction of flexible work arrangements. He asserted, "Social support must be enhanced so that women can maintain a balance between their careers and families," adding, "Creating an environment that enables them to continue their careers is the key to achieving gender equality in the science and technology sector." El Hashemite further added, "Creating an environment where women scientists can have their achievements recognized and enjoy equal rights and opportunities is true gender equality."
Reference materials
Nature Index South Korea (2024), https://nature.com/collections/south-korea-index-2024