A subway car for women-only system was first introduced. This system disappeared because the system didn’t achieve a great effect in 1992. However, recently, Seoul Metropolitan Government introduced the system again to protect women from sexual assault. For this reason, a conflict of opinions has arisen.


Pro

At the beginning September, an article written by the woman brought a social issue. The article requested men to have “good manner” for women. The woman said, “During rush hour in a crowded subway, the location of men’s hands give an unpleasant feeling to me.” This started a call to make women-only subway cars. I oppose women-only subway cars.

First, if women-only subway cars are made and the men can’t get in same subway car, that will be only the temporary method, not solve the problem. We should crack down and prevent sexual assaults though careful monitoring rather than making women-only subway cars.

Second, all women can’t get on women-only subway cars. Because of this, the only-for-women cars plan was enforced but disappeared in 1992. Only-for-women cars are a mere 2 or 3 subway cars. Those are too small for the women using a subway. Many women who can’t get on the women-only car still have to get on a crowded subway with men.

Finally, making women-only cars is reverse discrimination against men, and it regards men as potential criminals. Therefore, making women-only cars can cause discomfort to men. A male netizen said, “It’s not fair to make women-only subways, in the era gender quality. Every man does not interfere with women in the subway, so it is excessive.”

A civic group for women insisted that the plan is just to gain popularity, not for the public. Sexual assault should be prevented through ongoing campaigns and prevention from sexual assault, not by creating women-only subways.




Con

Recently, a Seoul city official said, “We will make the last car of subways for women only. This will protect women from sexual assault. The system will operate from September 20 on a trial basis.” A car for women is Seoul Metropolitan Government’s plan. Its goal is protecting women from sexual assault. Let’s look at the reasons to uphold the introduction of cars for women.

First, by introducing cars for women, women can be free from the potential danger of sexual assault. Sexual assault against women occurs frequently on the subway. According to the police, 1,192 men who secretly photographed women or touched a woman’s body were caught in 2010 alone. This is a 78 percent increase compared to 2009. Some people who oppose cars for women could ask, “Then, are all men potential criminals?” However, because these days a little touch in the subway can be regarded as sexual harassment, it’s better to prevent any contact by introducing cars for women. It eliminates misunderstandings like someone touching a woman’s body mistakenly and can prevent sexual assault.

Second, introducing cars for women can achieve various effects for women in addition to preventing sex crimes. For example, if cars for women are introduced, women can avoid dangerous people like a drunken person. Furthermore, in cars for women, a pregnant woman will be able to commute safely and a woman who has a baby can nurse the baby.

Third, introducing cars for women tells us that sexual assault is becoming more serious in Korea. It can increase social awareness. If sexual assault is regarded as a big problem in our society, we can expect that legislation on sexual assault will be improved.
Many women using the subway have anxiety about sexual assault. If women feel more comfortable in a special space, introducing cars for women is necessary.