- The Council on Gender Equality has presented Prime Minister Obuchi with a report entitled "Concerning the Basic Law on Gender Equality -- Laying the Fundamental Conditions for Creating a Society of Equal Participation between Men and Women," in response to the request for advice presented to the Council by Prime Minister Hashimoto on June 16, 1997, entitled "Basic Items Regarding Policies to Promote the Realization of a Gender Equal Society."
- The report points out that though the Constitution calls for respect for the individual and equality between men and women, and that efforts are being made to achieve gender equality, the reality in society is that many problems remain, including actual disparities which emerge from stereotypes on gender roles, as well as the lack of equal participation of men and women in decision-making processes on policies and directions. The report concludes that it is necessary (and will be effective) to formulate a comprehensive framework to promote the creation of a gender-equal society, and proposes the formulation of a "Basic Law."
The contents of the proposed law are as follows: the objective is "to systematically and comprehensively carry out the promotion of the creation of a gender-equal society in order to achieve respect for the human rights of men and women and an affluent and vibrant society"; the basic philosophy of the law includes, "respect for human rights, the removal of factors impeding the creation of a gender-equal society between men and women (ensuring there is no discriminatory treatment, that measures to positively promote participation are not impeded, and that consideration be given that social practices and institutions be based on the perspective of equal participation between men and women and are neutral), due consideration to joint participation by men and women in decision-making processes on policies and directions, the sharing of family responsibilities between men and women, and the promotion of international cooperation"; concretely, it spells out the responsibilities of the central government, local government, and individual citizens; legislative and fiscal measures; the formulation of annual reports and basic action programs; measures to deepen understanding among the populace; a system to promote the law; dealing with grievances, etc.; measures for international harmonization; and measures to promote activities by local public bodies and private organizations.
- RENGO has emphasized that the objective [of the proposed law] should be to create a gender-equal society at an early date through the promotion of joint participation in various sectors and areas, and has also stated that the name of the law should be the Basic Law on Gender Equality. RENGO has also proposed, in terms of the content of the law, that it include, from the viewpoint of effectiveness, the banning of direct discrimination, dealing with indirect discrimination, and the establishment of affirmative action and ombudsperson systems. However, these areas are not dealt with adequately in the proposal, and it is also problematic that the promotion of equal participation by men and women in decision-making processes on policies and directions does not go beyond the giving of "consideration."
On the basis of this report, RENGO will work with political parties after examining the contents of the bill to be submitted to the next regular Diet session, and will work actively during the Diet deliberation regarding the contents of the law.
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