Japan gender equality policies have economic goals

Subject

Gender inequality in Japan.

Significance

The need to improve gender equality has been discussed in Japan for decades, but progress has been slow or non-existent.

Impacts

• The extent of the gendering of elected politics in Japan up until now suggests that progress will be slow.
• Generational change will likely be needed before the ruling party can field more female candidates.
• Laws against sexual harassment are more likely to be framed in terms of compensation rather than fines or criminal penalties.
• Businesses oppose tougher laws against sexual harassment, fearing they will open the way for a flood of lawsuits.