What is the reality of Gender gap? Analysing from the Index
The rankings of Japan in the Gender Gap Index and Women, Business and Law Index are alarming, to say the least. According to the World Economic Forum' Gender Gap Index, Japan is ranked 116th out of 146 countries, indicating a significant gender gap in the country. Similarly, the World Bank's Women, Business and Law 2022 Index ranks Japan 104th among 190 countries, which highlights the country's low score in terms of legal protections and economic opportunities for women. These rankings are a cause for concern, as they reflect the continued struggle for gender equality in Japan.
Despite the country's reputation for being technologically advanced and economically prosperous, its record on gender equality is far from satisfactory. The issue of gender inequality in Japan is multifaceted, and there are several factors that contribute to it. One of the main reasons for the gender gap in Japan is the prevalent patriarchal culture, which often leads to discrimination against women in the workplace. The traditional Japanese workplace culture expects long working hours and places a high value on loyalty and dedication, which disproportionately affects women.
As a result, women are less likely to be promoted to higher positions, and they often face a "glass ceiling" that limits their career progression. Additionally, Japan's labour laws do not mandate equal pay for equal work, which further exacerbates the gender pay gap. Another significant issue is the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Despite constituting almost half of Japan's workforce, women occupy only a small percentage of leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Women hold only around 14% of managerial positions in the private sector, and only around 10% of parliamentarians in the National Diet are women. This lack of female representation in leadership positions is a significant obstacle to achieving gender equality in Japan. Furthermore, the lack of affordable and accessible childcare facilities and social support for working mothers is another challenge. This lack of support makes it difficult for women to balance their work and family responsibilities, often forcing them to choose between the two. As a result, many women end up leaving the workforce, which not only negatively impacts their careers but also the country's economy.
To tackle these issues, it is essential to implement policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and women's empowerment. For instance, there is a need to change the traditional Japanese workplace culture that places excessive emphasis on long working hours and limited flexibility. Employers should implement policies that provide equal opportunities for women to advance in their careers and provide work-life balance support to both men and women. Japan also needs to strengthen its legal framework to protect women's rights and address gender discrimination. This could include mandating equal pay for equal work and introducing more family-friendly policies such as parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Moreover, the government should provide more funding and resources to support the provision of affordable and accessible childcare facilities and social support for working mothers. However, tackling gender inequality is not only the responsibility of the government or policy-makers. Each one of us can contribute to promoting gender equality in our daily lives. This could include challenging gender stereotypes and biases, supporting and promoting women in leadership positions, and advocating for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality. It is also essential to provide mentorship and support to women in the workplace, which can help them overcome the barriers they face. In conclusion, the rankings of Japan in the Gender Gap Index and Women, Business and Law Index highlight the continued struggle for gender equality in the country. The issue of gender inequality in Japan is multifaceted, and it requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address it. The government, employers, civil society, and individuals must work together to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. By doing so, Japan can become a more inclusive and equal society for all.
