<
https://theconversation.com/how-gender-inequality-is-hindering-japans-economic-growth-206537>
"Japan’s economy is under pressure from rising energy prices and defence costs
and the impact of the pandemic. Plummeting birth rates and an ageing population
further threaten the sustainability of its labour market. A 2023 study by
independent thinktank the Recruit Works Institute points to a labour supply
shortage of 3.41 million people by 2030, and over 11 million by 2040.
Gender inequality is another significant pressure point. Research shows that a
gender-inclusive society and workforce leads to innovation and economic growth.
However, Japan has one of the lowest levels of gender equality among G7
countries. It has slipped to its lowest ranking yet in the World Economic
Health Forum’s latest
Global Gender Report, particularly in terms of women in
leadership positions.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently declared that Japan needs to urgently
raise its birth rate. He also vowed to increase the percentage of women
executives in Tokyo stock exchange-listed companies, from 11.4% to 30% or more,
by 2030. A policy draft released in June indicates that this will be achieved
through leadership quotas legally imposed on listed companies.
Japan has tried this countless times, however, and largely failed. As my
research shows, this is because gender norms are deeply embedded in Japanese
society."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
