District 32 UN Committee forum highlights inclusion and empowerment for North Korean women defectors

The Zonta District 32 United Nations Committee hosted a forum titled “Human Rights Protection through Social Inclusion and Psychological Empowerment for North Korean Women Defectors in South Korea”, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by North Korean women defectors (NKWDs) after resettlement.

While global conversations largely focus on the oppressive regime from which these women flee, the forum emphasized the long-term social and emotional struggles they face in South Korea. The event highlighted the OneKorea Mentoring Project, an initiative led by Zonta International District 32, which centers on identity-building and two-way social inclusion as key principles in supporting defectors.

This initiative goes beyond basic survival—it’s about helping women rebuild a sense of self and community in a society that is often unfamiliar and isolating.

The mentoring project aims to bridge the divide between North Korean defectors and South Korean society through meaningful relationships and tailored psychological support. By fostering mutual understanding and respect, the program promotes dignity, inclusion and long-term empowerment.

The forum reinforces Zonta’s commitment to human rights, aligning with its global mission to build a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy.

Watch the full forum here and here.