The high-level meeting on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Country Statement from Minister of State for Gender Equality, HASHIMOTO Seiko, Japan
2020/10/1
25 years have passed since the Beijing Declaration was adopted at the 1995 World Conference on Women. As a member of the Japanese delegation I personally participated in the Beijing Conference where all the participants in the world were bound together with the aspiration for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. 25 years later, I am very honored to celebrate the "Beijing Plus 25" as the Minister in charge of gender equality.
Japan enacted the Basic Act for gender equality in light of the Beijing Declaration. The Act has positioned gender equality as the most important issue that will define the Japanese Society in the 21st century. We have been pressing ahead with our efforts based on the Act.
Last year, Japan chaired the G20 Osaka Summit. The Leaders’ Declaration clearly stated that Gender equality and women's empowerment are essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We are in the process of formulating a new national plan for gender equality based on the Basic Act.
The Covid-19 has had a major and disproportionate impact on women. There is apprehension about the increase and escalation of spousal, domestic and sexual violence. It has a particularly strong impact on the employment of women. The increase in single-parent families with economic difficulties is worrisome. There are also concerns that women bear a greater burden of unpaid care work. On the other hand, the opportunity has brought about the penetration of online work and the possibilities of new working styles are expanding for both women and men. Flexible working arrangements such as working from home are also an opportunity to encourage men to participate in unpaid care work.
I strongly support the message issued by Secretary-General António Guterres in April "Put women and girls at the centre of efforts to recover from COVID-19". It is at times such as the present when we are faced with the new threat of the pandemic and required to make social changes that we have an opportunity to achieve gender equality and create a more equitable and resilient world.
I would like to express my deepest respect to all those who have worked for women and girls in their countries and the international community. I pledge to do my utmost to achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls together with you.
Thank you.
Video: http://wwwc.cao.go.jp/lib_008/int_csw/statement.html
Japan enacted the Basic Act for gender equality in light of the Beijing Declaration. The Act has positioned gender equality as the most important issue that will define the Japanese Society in the 21st century. We have been pressing ahead with our efforts based on the Act.
Last year, Japan chaired the G20 Osaka Summit. The Leaders’ Declaration clearly stated that Gender equality and women's empowerment are essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We are in the process of formulating a new national plan for gender equality based on the Basic Act.
The Covid-19 has had a major and disproportionate impact on women. There is apprehension about the increase and escalation of spousal, domestic and sexual violence. It has a particularly strong impact on the employment of women. The increase in single-parent families with economic difficulties is worrisome. There are also concerns that women bear a greater burden of unpaid care work. On the other hand, the opportunity has brought about the penetration of online work and the possibilities of new working styles are expanding for both women and men. Flexible working arrangements such as working from home are also an opportunity to encourage men to participate in unpaid care work.
I strongly support the message issued by Secretary-General António Guterres in April "Put women and girls at the centre of efforts to recover from COVID-19". It is at times such as the present when we are faced with the new threat of the pandemic and required to make social changes that we have an opportunity to achieve gender equality and create a more equitable and resilient world.
I would like to express my deepest respect to all those who have worked for women and girls in their countries and the international community. I pledge to do my utmost to achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls together with you.
Thank you.
Video: http://wwwc.cao.go.jp/lib_008/int_csw/statement.html