KWDI Korean Women’s Development Institute

The purpose of this study tried to examine the change after analyzing activities of male and female assemblymen, in relation to the expansion into 15.1% of female assemblymen in the fifth basic local assembly from 2.2% of female assemblymen in the fourth basic local assembly. In order to do the analysis, this study analyzed how increase of female activities could affect legislative activities of male and female assemblymen's activities by examining proposals and approvals of ordinance and assembly records of standing committees between the early period of fourth(2002, 7.1-2004.6.30) and the fifth basic local assembly(2006.7.1-2008.6.30). Results of the analysis in this study could be summarized that increase of female assemblymen, when comparing the fourth and fifth assembly, affect the fact that the activities associated with process of policy decision, ordinance, assembly plenary sessions, and standing committees have been increased. The detailed results are followed in the sentences below. Firstly, increase of female assemblymen in the basic local assembly could be resulted from increase of female assemblymen in decision-making committees such as the increase of chairpersons in steering committees and standing committees. Secondly, the number of assembly activities and its qualities has been significantly increased.  Increased rate of female assemblymen between the fourth and the fifth assemblymen is 15.4%, and increased rate of proposals of ordinance is 17.1%. Moreover, outstanding performance of female assemblymen was observed in the area of activities related to welfare and women. Thirdly, increase of female assemblymen could affect provision of interest of policy for women to male assemblymen. In preparation for the upcoming local election, better policies for female politicians are suggested. Introduction of rationing 30% of public nominations for female in  the local basic assembly should be carried out, instead of simply making effort to reaching up to 30% for women's seats. Secondly, 50% of male assemblymen should be rationed in standing committees for women, in order to make gender-sensitive activities more actively in the local basic assembly. Thirdly, renominating existing excellent female assemblymen as well as securing a proportional rate of strategic nomination for new female politicians in the constitutional area where female candidates are likely to win more are necessary. Fourthly, culture of discussions, programs, and participation for better policy should be developed. Fifthly, small meetings should be held more to make establishment of legislative activities attached to our life. Sixthly, interest for next generation's leading female politicians should be improved.