Women’s rights delegation discussed gender equality during a visit to Seoul

Women's rights committee MEPs met with Korean government officials, parliamentarians, and civil society to strengthen to cooperation on gender equality and combating human trafficking.

A delegation of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) visited Seoul, Republic of Korea between 28 - 31 October 2025. The aim of the visit in Seoul was firstly, to exchange on measures and progress regarding preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and secondly to discuss and to learn first-hand about the gender gap in political attitudes and voting in Korea. Led by the Chair Lina Gálvez, the 8-member delegation held meetings with the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Ms Won Min Kyong, National Assembly Committee of Gender Equality and Family, former Minister of Gender Equality and Family Ms. Hyunback Chung, civil society organisations, trade unions and other stakeholders. Members very much appreciated meeting with the Korean Women Parliamentary Network and held a separate meeting with representatives of women’s organisations in the STEM sector. They also took part in International Seminar on Restoring the Right to Health for North Korean Women and Children.

Concluding the visit, Chair Lina Gálvez made the following statement:

“Korea and the EU face a lot of similar challenges in gender equality including the gender pay gap, reconciliation of private and professional life, as well as fight against gender-based violence, including digital violence. We very much appreciated in our interactions the renewed push for gender equality by the government of the Republic of Korea and the Parliament. We firmly believe that the challenges faced, such as the low fertility rate or gender pay gap can be solved by achieving a true gender equality. As a cornerstone of democracy, gender equality also contributes to economic growth and sustainable development. We hope to continue our cooperation with the Korean counterparts also in the future.”

Lina Gálvez was accompanied by seven other MEPs: Elzbieta Łukacijewska (EPP, Poland), Emma Rafowicz (S&D, France), Marko Vešligaj (S&D, Croatia), Maria Noichl (S&D, Germany), Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE, Austria), Jana Toom (Renew, Estonia) and Hanna Gedin (The Left, Sweden),