[DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee (이진호)] The Ministry of Science and ICT is pushing to create a new “Gender Equality Policy Officer” as a dedicated organisation for gender equality policy.

On Nov. 11, MSIT issued a legislative notice for a partial revision bill to enforcement rules on the organisation of the Ministry of Science and ICT and its affiliated institutions.

MSIT plans to create the Gender Equality Policy Officer under its Planning and Coordination Office. The new unit will be staffed by 6 people: 1 at Grade 4, 2 at Grade 5, 1 at Grade 6, 1 at Grade 7 and 1 specialist career official in Category B. MSIT’s headquarters staffing ceiling will rise to 807 from 801. The additional positions will remain in place until Sept. 30, 2029.

The Gender Equality Policy Officer will handle the establishment and coordination of policies and plans related to gender equality in science and technology and information and communications, monitoring and improving gender-discriminatory policies, and identifying policies that reflect a gender perspective. Key tasks also include preventing sexual harassment and sexual violence within MSIT, its affiliated institutions and subordinate organisations, supporting victim relief, spreading a gender equality culture, and providing gender awareness training.

MSIT will also adjust some duties for AI-related organisations. It will add to the responsibilities of the Science and Technology and AI Policy Cooperation Officer work such as researching and analysing domestic and overseas science and technology and AI policy trends, forming and operating the Future Strategy Council, and cooperation on related policies.

The revision will take effect on the day it is promulgated if it is finalised after related procedures. MSIT will gather opinions through the legislative notice until Nov. 18.