Gender Gap at Workplace in Japan

by: Natsumi

In these days, women have human rights as much as men have; the right to choose your job, the right to vote, the right to choose their partner. However, women were not allowed these rights in many countries just hundred years ago. Especially, women’s rights in Japan are internationally behind in male and female participating life's tasks together, especially in the workplace. Actually, I often see the article about women who are in the workplace still suffering from　underrepresentation in senior management.

According to a "Gender Gap Report,” prepared by the World Economic Forum, Japan is ranked 43rd in world ranking which is close to the lowest among the advanced countries. Why Japan is internationally behind about women’s rights even though the basic act for gender-equal movement has been promoted since 1960s? I guess there are two reasons; the systems for women for continuous work, like childcare leave, haven’t been common enough and the negative outlook on work by young generation.

As for the systems of companies, according to the official report of Japanese government, the reasons are the lack or insufficient in support system for work and housework, raising children, looking after elderly. As a matter of fact, most of women are still tend to quit their job after got pregnant. In such situation, the number of the proportion of women among employees and in management positions wouldn’t be increased. For example, the ratio of women members to total members of the National Diet is only 11.3%. Japanese government has to have interference in private enterprises about supporting continuous employment or promoting re-hiring of who is willing to work, promotes positive balance of work and life, providing the adequate child care, most importantly supporting continuous work.

In regards to the negative outlook on work by young generation, the reason is the unstable Japanese economy. According to the survey of gender equality by the Cabinet Office, 51.6 per cent of respondents supported traditional roles for married couples. It means more than half of the public supports the idea that husbands should be the breadwinners, while wives should stay home and do housework. Prof. Kakuko Miyata of Meiji Gakuin University said prolonged economic uncertainty may be one factor behind the changing trend among young people. "I suspect young people today are deeply concerned about their futures because of prolonged difficulty in finding jobs and the sluggish economy, so they may wish for the home to be a source of emotional support." Actually, it has been a hard time for job seekers in Japan in these days. However I expect from new Japanese president Abe’s aggressive policy; he swear that he makes Japanese economy moves up in two years.

Being in the forefront nation of population aging, today’s Japanese society cannot be maintained without female labor force. Japanese society should have structural reform to improve women’s right, that is working situation as quickly as possible.