Statement by H.E. Ms. MARUKAWA Tamayo, Minister of State for Gender Equality, Minister in charge of Women's Empowerment, the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women General Discussion
2021/3/19
On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and respect to the Chair and all those who have devoted themselves to the CSW65.
Gender equality is the important and solid policy for the Government of Japan. COVID-19 has aggravated domestic violence and sexual assault and also badly affected the employment and income of women. This reaffirms us the importance of gender equality. We need to implement measures strongly and steadily to overcome the present difficulties and foster reform.
Last year, the commemorative year of “Beijing Plus 25”, Japan formulated a new plan for gender equality based on the Basic Act enacted in light of the Beijing Declaration.
This new plan aims to accelerate progress towards gender equality and support all women and girls so as to leave no woman and girl behind.
To this end, we have set the following new targets:
Japan strongly supports the message by the Secretary-General, António Guterres, “Put women and girls at the center of efforts to recover from COVID-19.”
In Japan, the Headquarters led by the Prime Minister decided on Basic Policies for COVID-19, which clearly states the need to give consideration to women’s employment and to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. Last November, the Minister for Gender Equality requested other related ministers to give consideration and support to women, which is reflected in the government’s budget. For example, new counseling services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are offered through social media and around-the-clock phone service. Furthermore, we are expanding one-stop support centers and supporting shelters run by NPOs.
Japan provides international cooperation based on the human security approach, focusing on the protection and empowerment of those who are vulnerable.
In terms of prevention of gender-based violence and measures against COVID-19, Japan supports women in developing countries with the contribution of 4.5 million dollars through UN Women. This January, Japan decided to provide additional financial support for COVID-19 response, both to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and UN Women, with a total amount of 13.7 million dollars. Moreover, Japan has contributed 2 million euros to the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, participating in the management of the fund as one of the board member countries.
Gender equality is crucial across all fields. It contributes to create an inclusive society where diverse people with different background can thrive and achieve their full potential.
I would like to pay my sincere respects to all people devoted to the welfare of women and girls. I pledge to make a full-scale effort for gender equality with all of you here.
Thank you very much for your kind attention.
Gender equality is the important and solid policy for the Government of Japan. COVID-19 has aggravated domestic violence and sexual assault and also badly affected the employment and income of women. This reaffirms us the importance of gender equality. We need to implement measures strongly and steadily to overcome the present difficulties and foster reform.
Last year, the commemorative year of “Beijing Plus 25”, Japan formulated a new plan for gender equality based on the Basic Act enacted in light of the Beijing Declaration.
This new plan aims to accelerate progress towards gender equality and support all women and girls so as to leave no woman and girl behind.
To this end, we have set the following new targets:
- Create a society within the 2030s in which everyone can demonstrate their abilities regardless of sex and gender, and both women and men alike are in leadership positions.
- Implement measures to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions to 30% of the total as early as possible during the 2020s as a milestone.
Japan strongly supports the message by the Secretary-General, António Guterres, “Put women and girls at the center of efforts to recover from COVID-19.”
In Japan, the Headquarters led by the Prime Minister decided on Basic Policies for COVID-19, which clearly states the need to give consideration to women’s employment and to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. Last November, the Minister for Gender Equality requested other related ministers to give consideration and support to women, which is reflected in the government’s budget. For example, new counseling services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are offered through social media and around-the-clock phone service. Furthermore, we are expanding one-stop support centers and supporting shelters run by NPOs.
Japan provides international cooperation based on the human security approach, focusing on the protection and empowerment of those who are vulnerable.
In terms of prevention of gender-based violence and measures against COVID-19, Japan supports women in developing countries with the contribution of 4.5 million dollars through UN Women. This January, Japan decided to provide additional financial support for COVID-19 response, both to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and UN Women, with a total amount of 13.7 million dollars. Moreover, Japan has contributed 2 million euros to the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, participating in the management of the fund as one of the board member countries.
Gender equality is crucial across all fields. It contributes to create an inclusive society where diverse people with different background can thrive and achieve their full potential.
I would like to pay my sincere respects to all people devoted to the welfare of women and girls. I pledge to make a full-scale effort for gender equality with all of you here.
Thank you very much for your kind attention.