Korea Future is pleased to announce the release of its latest policy paper, State Control and Gender Rights in the DPRK: The Role of the Socialist Women’s Union and the Failures in Preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Our paper examines the role and influence of the Women’s Union in the arena of women’s rights and preventing sexual and gender-based violence in North Korea. Supported by interviews conducted with exiles and experts, our report finds the Women’s Union is perceived less as a defender of women’s rights and more as an instrument of state exploitation and control, especially against the backdrop of persistent impunity for those who commit violence against women and girls.

Key Findings:

1. The Role of the Socialist Women’s Union: The Socialist Women’s Union, ostensibly established to safeguard women’s rights, has become a tool of state control rather than a protector of women. Instead of addressing gender-based violence, the Union enforces traditional gender roles, mobilises women for labour, and indoctrinates them into state ideology. Former members describe the organisation as exploitative, reinforcing the economic and social burdens on women.

2. Widespread Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Despite North Korea’s ratification of international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Union appears powerless, or disempowered, to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. The state has failed to create effective reporting mechanisms or support systems for victims, leaving women vulnerable and without recourse. Social stigmas and the lack of formal reporting structures further exacerbate the situation.

3. Failures in Legal Protection: Laws such as the Women’s Rights Law and the Criminal Code are meant to protect women from violence. However, these laws remain largely symbolic and are rarely enforced. The overarching authority of state ideology, governed by the Ten Principles for the Establishment of a Monolithic Leadership System, supersedes not only the Union, but any protective measures, leaving legal protections ineffective.

4. Recommendations for International Action: Our report calls on the international community to hold North Korea accountable for its failures in protecting women. Recommendations include diplomatic pressure, targeted human rights sanctions against those responsible, and increased funding for organisations documenting human rights violations.

 Read the full policy paper here.