New System Introduced for Achieving Gender Equality in Public Restrooms

On the 26th, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced that it would implement a self-assessment gender impact assessment for the installation and operation of public restrooms starting from the 1st of next month. This measure can be seen as part of the government's proactive efforts to realize gender equality in public facilities.

The gender impact assessment is a system that examines various factors based on gender characteristics when establishing and implementing laws or major policies.

It is a process that comprehensively considers differences in demand by gender, gender-balanced participation, and the resolution of gender stereotypes to improve policies so that they can practically contribute to the realization of gender equality.

Establishment of Detailed Evaluation Items and Improvement Plans

Starting in July, public restroom managers will be required to conduct a self-assessment consisting of over 20 questions covering structure, facilities, and safety.

After the assessment, specific improvement plans for inadequate areas will be established.

Key inspection items include whether the entrances of male and female restrooms are separated, the status of visual obstructions for male urinals, the installation status of emergency bells, and whether CCTV is installed at the entrance. Particularly, the establishment of a regular inspection plan for illegal filming cameras is also an important evaluation item.

Additionally, reflecting the recent social change of increasing male participation in childcare, it will also be checked whether children's toilets and diaper-changing stations are appropriately installed in both male and female restrooms.

The goal of this evaluation is to create an environment where all users can conveniently utilize public restrooms, regardless of gender.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family stated that it plans to continue its efforts to ensure that not only public restrooms but also various government policies and systems in the future can be operated from a gender-equal perspective.

Image source: Safety inspection of public restrooms. / Photo provided by Gwangju City, reference photo for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank