Statement by Ms. OSAKI Asako, Representative of Japan, at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) Ministerial Round Table on “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all older women”

Thank you, honorable Chair.
 
Japan aims to build a society where every citizen across all generations, including older persons, can actively participate and thrive.
 
In light of demographic and household structure changes, addressing the various challenges faced by older persons, as well as by generations that will enter old age in the future, has become an increasingly important policy issue.
 
In particular, when viewed by gender, the number of the women aged 65 and over living alone is significantly higher than that of men. Older women have a higher poverty rate than older men, and among them, older women living alone face particularly high levels of poverty.
 
It is therefore essential to accurately understand the realities surrounding the daily lives, employment, and family structures of older women, and Japan has a number of measures in response.
 
First, Japan is coordinating cross-disciplinary measures and strengthen clinical care systems to support women’s health across the life course, particularly women in midlife and later.
 
Second, Japan is addressing gender inequalities in the labor market. Since 2022, large companies have been required to disclose their gender pay gaps, encouraging greater transparency and corporate action to close wage disparities.
 
Third, Japan continues to strengthen income security in old age through its social security system, including the universal basic pension and support measures for low-income older persons.
 
Finally, Japan enacted the Act on Support for Women Facing Difficulties, which provides comprehensive support for women facing a range of challenges, including poverty, violence, and social isolation. This framework enables local governments and support organizations to respond to diverse needs, including those of older women.

Japan will continue to promote efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment across all generations.
 
I thank you.