Girl Scouts Japan report shows ongoing gender bias in schools

The Girl Scouts of Japan have released their 2023 Gender Survey Report on junior high and high school girls, highlighting significant concerns about gender equality in schools. The report, based on a comprehensive survey, reveals that a substantial number of female students perceive unequal treatment from their teachers and experience gender-based discrimination.

The survey found that 31% of junior high school students and 32% of high school students feel that teachers do not treat boys and girls equally. This sentiment among high school students has increased by 9 percentage points since the 2020 survey.

Additionally, 40% of junior high school students and 52% of high school students reported being told, “You don’t have to do this because you’re a girl.” This figure represents a 5-point increase for high school students compared to the 2019 survey. Furthermore, 20% of junior high school students and 30% of high school students have been made to do something specifically because they are girls, with the incidence for high school students doubling since 2020.

The survey also highlighted the prevalence of witnessing sexual harassment or gender discrimination, with 45% of junior high school students and 61% of high school students reporting such experiences, primarily in media and public places.

The reluctance to discuss personal health issues is another concern, with 9% of junior high school students and 10% of high school students stating that they do not talk to anyone about their menstrual cycles or health conditions. Moreover, the pressure regarding appearance affects 59% of junior high school students and 69% of high school students, compared to 50% of girls in the UK.

In response to the findings, the Girl Scouts of Japan expanded their survey to include junior high school students for the first time. Many younger respondents expressed uncertainty or indifference towards gender inequality, suggesting that they have fewer opportunities to encounter or recognize such biases.

To understand the progression of gender-related issues among adolescents, the survey included questions from previous studies conducted with high school students. The results showed little improvement, indicating that gender biases and roles remain prevalent and unchanged.

Family and teacher behaviors continue to perpetuate unconscious biases and gender roles, significantly impacting girls’ perceptions and self-imposed limitations. Addressing these ingrained biases requires a collective effort to raise awareness and encourage conscious language and behavior.

The Girl Scouts of Japan emphasize the importance of adults learning and acting alongside youth to dismantle barriers that hinder girls’ potential. Such efforts are vital not only for empowering girls but also for creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and achieve their dreams.