By Wonsuh Song
Until recently, both Japan and Korea faced similar challenges in increasing women’s participation in science and technology. International rankings often placed the two countries side by side at the lower end for gender equality in STEM. Yet over the last decade or two, Korea has witnessed a remarkable surge in the number of women scientists, creating a noticeable gap between the two nations. What triggered Korea’s change in trajectory?
In preparing for a recent invited lecture on “why Korea has made such rapid progress in women’s STEM participation,” I explored the underlying factors—and one key turning point came into clear focus: the Act on Fostering and Supporting Women Scientists and Technicians, enacted in 2002. Backed by this law, the Korean government began actively channeling funding and resources into programs that promote the recruitment, development, and retention of women in research. In addition, a specialized organization called WISET (Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology) was established to run hands-on initiatives—from mentorship and career re-entry support to public-awareness campaigns—working closely with universities, research institutes, and private companies.
This synergy between legally enshrined measures and a centralized, well-equipped institution has shifted Korea’s research environment. It became easier for women scientists to maintain research careers despite life events such as childbirth or childcare responsibilities, thanks to more robust funding and support programs. Society at large also began to view women’s participation in STEM as a normal and advantageous part of national development, rather than an anomaly.
Meanwhile in Japan, legislation such as the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace and the Basic Act for a Gender-Equal Society has sought to encourage women’s broader workforce participation. However, there is still no dedicated, comprehensive law focusing exclusively on women in science and technology. The lack of a unified legal structure, along with a specialized agency mirroring WISET’s role, has meant that progress remains fragmented compared to Korea’s more coordinated approach.
With an aging population and the urgent need for innovation, Japan stands to learn from Korea’s model. Laws may not solve every obstacle overnight, but they provide a strong foundation for coordinated policy, funding, and institutional commitment. Korea’s progress is a testament to how sustained governmental backing can carve out clear pathways for women to choose STEM, stay in research even after taking time off, and eventually attain leadership positions.
Far from being merely a success story abroad, Korea’s experience offers tangible insights for Japan as it strives to maintain scientific and technological competitiveness. The key lesson is clear: robust legislation and a well-resourced central organization can reshape social attitudes and institutional practices, paving the way for women to thrive in science and technology.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Shumei University / Committee for Diversity Management and Talent Pool, JpGU
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