North Korean women seek fundamental rights in subtle move

North Korean women seek fundamental rights in subtle move
North Korean women seek fundamental rights in subtle move

North Korean women in Pyongyang have found a subtle way to demand more freedom.

Fighting against traditional gender roles, more women in the capital are trying to get their hands on driver's licences.

Six members of the Socialist Women's Union in Pyongyang's Tongdaewon district recently signed up together for grade 4 civilian driver's licences.

To be able to rent vehicles and celebrate their birthdays in style, the women spend three hours a day in driving lessons despite not owning cars.

Female students at Kim Il Sung University are also joining the driving sensation.

Rather than taking formal classes, some are learning from parents and friends as they sneak cars to the outskirts of town for secret practice sessions.

The new trend suggests North Korean women are quietly asserting their human rights in a society that has long restricted their freedoms.

Breaking Barriers: North Korean Women demand basic rights 

Questionable regulations such as "don't ride a bicycle wearing a skirt" were once routine, and as recently as 2021, Kim Jong Un reminded women to "support their husbands and dedicate themselves to raising their children as socialist warriors."

However, women learning to drive and taking command represents a subtle rejection of these petty expectations.

The North Korean women are claiming their fundamental rights as the country sees a surge in licence application in Pyongyang's Hwasong district.

Related
Read more : World

UK braces for heavy rain after record-breaking heat

UK braces for heavy rain after record-breaking heat
An amber heat health alert is still active for areas like the Midlands, southern and eastern England

5 must-read books for students to gain clarity and confidence

5 must-read books for students to gain clarity and confidence
Here are 5 best books that can be very helpful in teaching you how to manage your life and make the right choices

Hungary's oldest library battles beetle menace, centuries-old books at risk

Hungary's oldest library battles beetle menace, centuries-old books at risk
1,000-year-old Pannonhalma Archabbey fights to preserve centuries-old books from beetle menace

Kim Jong-un pledges ‘unconditional’ support for Russia in Ukraine war

Kim Jong-un pledges ‘unconditional’ support for Russia in Ukraine war
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meets Kim Jong Un in North Korea, strengthens ties

Rosie O'Donnell fires back at Donald Trump after citizenship threat

Rosie O'Donnell fires back at Donald Trump after citizenship threat
Donald Trump reignites decades-long feud with Rosie O'Donnell, calls her ‘threat to humanity

Top 15 most popular Asian cities to explore in 2025

Top 15 most popular Asian cities to explore in 2025
Asia is the largest and most populated continent and it is home to a wide variety of cities each with its own unique charm

Spain flood triggers emergency response as over 300 children evacuated from camps

Spain flood triggers emergency response as over 300 children evacuated from camps
The sudden and intense storm caused chaos with some places receiving five inches of rain in just one hour

Waddle-on-Sea penguin trail brings dozens of colourful sculptures to Southend

Waddle-on-Sea penguin trail brings dozens of colourful sculptures to Southend
Big penguin statues were sponsored by local business and then artists painted them with creative designs