Aspects of Women's Status in Korea and Cameroon

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the status of women in Korea and Cameroon. Women’s economic participation, educational opportunities, and political representation are used as indicators of women’s status. Official statistics and literature review are utilized to conduct a comparative study of both countries. The major findings of this study indicate that women were underrepresented in the areas of work, education, and politics in both countries (although women’s status is getting better); few women rise to leadership positions in every area; women themselves and governments have made efforts to improve women’s status from the individual level and social level; and Cameroon women’s status is far behind that of Korean women in every area due to differences in economy, social conditions, and stages of industrialization of both countries. While Korea went through rapid industrialization, and is now into an information society, Cameroon is still in the process of moving from agricultural to industrialized society. We conclude by proposing suggestions and recommendations to the governments in both countries. We advocate the necessity of global studies of women’s status for achieving gender equality and encourage the sharing of differing national experiences and coping strategies concerning gender discrimination against women.