Study Visits by Women’s Caucus to South Korea and Japan

In August and September 2006, two delegations comprising Cambodian women parliamentarians visited the Republic of Korea and Japan. The delegations primarily investigated the legislative management policies as they are practiced in these two countries. The study visits also helped to provide an in-depth analysis of the two countries’ problems related to women’s issues and the way they are being addressed. Measures to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children, were among the questions discussed by the delegates with their counterparts.

In Japan, delegates met with Senate committees and senior officials dealing with women’s affairs and various social and health related issues. The delegation had an opportunity to look at Japan’s social system and the way it not only protects women from abuse, violence and different kinds of discrimination, but also encourages them to pursue higher levels of education and professional development.

In Korea, delegates studied the role of parliament in endorsing gender equality, the impact of proportional electoral system upon presenting women with more opportunities to actively participate in political life. They had also an opportunity to learn the role that the Legislation Committee plays in reviewing legislation for gender mainstreaming and the role that the Committee on Gender Equality plays in gender budgeting.

In interviews conducted following the study visits, delegates reported that the meetings in both countries helped them to better understand the role of parliamentarians in addressing gender inequality and enhancing women’s situation in their country. They have also indicated the need to cooperate internationally with their peers to share lessons learned in strengthening participation of women in social activities; they feel that networking has increased their skills and strengthened the Women’s Caucus.