Discovering a Sustainable Future from Japan

Sustainable Development Goals SDGs Goal 5: Gender equality

What is SDGs Goal 5?

SDGs Goal 5 is “Gender equality,” with its mission statement being “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”

This goal has 9 targets and 14 indicators measuring how much the world has achieved for gender equality. Targets include ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls worldwide, ending all harmful practices (such as early, forced marriage and female genital mutilation), and ensuring equal opportunities for leadership in aspects such as politics and economics.

Gender equality in Japan

According to the Sustainable Development Report, as of Jan 2022, Japan sees improvement but will be unable to achieve the targets by 2030. Find out more about Gender Inequality in Japan here.

SDGs Goal 5 in Japan

Genderless school uniforms is beneficial for all students in Japan

Although Japan is a strongly conservative nation, recent citizen-driven discourses have been picking up popularity. While not full-blown changes, there are those who are beginning to be more open and progressive on a number of gender issues. One such discourse is the uniforms in schools, driven by the discussion of gender roles versus diversity.

Genderless school uniforms is beneficial for all students in Japan

Japanese public seeks more female media role models

If we are consuming mass media and social networks at a larger rate than before, the lack of female role models in the media is problematic. How can we shape the view of the public appropriately? Where can aspiring women find examples to be inspired?

Japanese public seeks more female media role models

Ridiculous remarks that Japanese women put up with

It is often said that many politicians in Japan are so far detached from reality, that from time to time they will say the rudest things about gender. This is happened through the years, and the world got to know about Japan’s embarrassment when the former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori insulted women in meetings.

Ridiculous remarks that Japanese women put up with

Statistics paint picture of gender inequality in Japan

Sometimes there is a gap between the gender inequality in Japan and the perceived gender equality. It can seem that Japan doesn’t have such problems. Let’s take a look at some of the data to see what aspects Japan needs to work on.

Statistics paint picture of gender inequality in Japan

Related links

[Reference] United Nations SDGs Page Goal 5
[Additional links] UN Women
[Related Reading] Gender Inequality in Japan

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