Sanae Takaichi recently made history by becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister. Her ascent is seen as a significant moment for many young girls in Japan, challenging the country’s long-standing patriarchal political structure. However, opinions about her leadership vary, with some questioning whether she will truly advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.
Ayda Ogura, 21, observed that some outside Japan view Takaichi’s appointment as a breakthrough for women, but she finds this perspective overly simplistic. Ogura argues that Takaichi’s conservative views perpetuate the patriarchal system rather than dismantling it. Takaichi’s political stance includes opposition to same-sex marriage and legislation that would allow married couples to adopt different surnames, which restricts many women from retaining their maiden names.
Despite her traditional views, Takaichi has proposed measures such as tax incentives for companies that support childcare, though her overall record aligns with Japan’s struggles regarding women’s representation and rights. Currently, Japan ranks 118th out of 148 countries in the gender gap index, with women holding only 15.7% of parliamentary positions, the lowest among G7 nations.
While some believe Takaichi’s role could inspire women to pursue leadership positions, others critique the notion that her election could bring immediate change. Naomi Koshi, a young female mayor, expressed hope that Takaichi’s position could lower psychological barriers for women, but Audrey Hill-Uekawa reminded that it took over 30 years for Takaichi to reach this milestone and that her policies largely mirror those of male predecessors.
Critics argue that placing Takaichi on a pedestal merely because she is a woman undermines the importance of critically assessing her policies. With challenges such as economic stagnation and public dissatisfaction on the horizon, many are skeptical about whether gender equality will be prioritized in her leadership.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze6dgxlzwxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss