Karino AyakoOn Oct. 30, on the occasion of International Girls Day Month, NGO Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP) released a series of digital manga. They depict various problems Japanese women are facing today as part of “I LADY” —a project to provide information and opportunities revolving around SRHR (Sexual Reproductive Health Right)—in cooperation with their partner Italian car maker FIAT.
In recent years, there have been many discussions on sexuality and reproduction around the world, and various values advocated regarding romance and partnership. However, Japan ranks 121st (2019 survey) in gender equality among 153 countries, which is the lowest among the G7 countries. There is still difficulty in discussing sexual health and rights issues.
The digital manga breathes lives into four women in four different situations. The manga depicts Japanese women and men’s love affairs, sexual and gender consciousness, and gender differences in their daily lives. The purpose is for people in their teens to their thirties to self-reflect and take action upon reading the manga.
So what concerns do the manga highlight?
Chapter 1 – 17 years old Kana—”Knowing” / A high school student who is worried about birth control
Kana is a high school student who has interest in sex but lacks knowledge about it. The more she has feelings for her boyfriend, the more anxiety she has about sex. She learns about birth control from her school nurse.
Chapter 2 – 28 years old Mayumi—”Combating” / A business woman striving for her career
Mayumi is a sales woman who works hard to achieve her dream. One day, she acquires the chance to work overseas, something she longed for. But what about her feelings she has for her boyfriend? Which future will Mayumi choose—her work or her boyfriend?
Chapter 3 – 35 years old Yoko—”Communication” / A couple’s daily life
Yoko is a housewife who lives with her husband for six years. A gap has formed between them, which has become difficult to fill. What is needed to fill the gap?
Chapter 4 – 21 years old Miyuki—”Confidence” / Stereotypical view of love
College student Miyuki has been dating a man for the first time. But his selfishness escalates and Miyuki starts to lose her true self.
In addition to the manga, they also delivered a special talk on Oct. 31 entitled, “International Girls Day 2020 Special Roundtable—Wishing to be ‘myself,’ before being a man or a woman.” Their talk can be accessed on YouTube:
