- The Fundamental Law concerning Men/Women Jointly Participating Society has been unanimously adopted at the plenary of the House of Representative today. The Fundamental Law defines fundamental principles promoting measures to build the society where men and women are jointly/equally participating and rights of both genders are fully respected. It also clarifies the responsibility of the State, local public bodies and individuals, defining basic provisions as basic reference for measures.
- Rengo already announced in November 1998 its position on the report of the Council on the Men/Women Jointly Participating Society. The General Secretary stated: "Basic principles described in the report is too ambiguous and Rengo will make effort in the process of the Diet's deliberations to make them more practical and effective." In February when the Government bill was submitted to the Diet, Rengo appreciated the bill clarifying basic principles, even though pointing out that the name was changed from the Fundamental Law concerning Men/Women Equally Participating Society, as supported by Rengo, to "Jointly Participating". Then, Rengo have been making demands through opposition parties, as well as visiting Diet's sessions in order to reinforce provisions in the deliberations.
- The bill was presented at the plenary of the House of Councillors on 12 April. On the other hand the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) on 7 May presented the counterproposal entitled "Fundamental Law concerning Men/Women Joint Participation" and then the two bills were examined collectively by the Executive Committee of the House. The Committee passed the Government's bill with amendment to add a preamble and submitted to the plenary, where it was approved unanimously. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives and consequently was approved at the plenary of the House today. Rengo highly appreciates all the efforts made by Diet members in making amendments and adopting a supplementary resolution to the government's bill.
- The preamble clearer clarifies the purpose of the Law by stating as follow: "Various efforts have been made to realise the equality between men and women, there is still a need to make even greater efforts. It is important to give the highest priority to the establishment of the society in which men and /women are jointly participating toward the 21st century. All possible measures should be taken to realise such society." The supplementary resolution includes: the review of current legislation in the view of abolishing any indirect discrimination; the eradication of any violence against women; affirmative actions to promote the participation of women in the policy making processes at the national and local level; the establishment of an environment to manage both family and work; and, the establishment of an effective system for grievance handling and sufferer relief.
- The Law was adopted and now policies formulated based on the Law should be implemented without delay. Rengo will also strengthen its own activities to realise the society.
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