Women could power Japan's workforce

Japan’s hiring systems that hold women back - 27th September 2021

Japan is at risk of being a nation of bored, educated housewives. That’s the concern after reports about the difficulties faced by women in getting well paid jobs. If this situation were to change, Japan might come out of its economic crisis more quickly.

However, there has already been an attempt to modernise Japan’s hiring systems. 'Womenomics', a programme which intended to create more female managers was introduced and its announcement came with much publicity. However, the results have been disappointing. There is currently only one woman for each 10 men in parliament. Women account for only 15 percent of the top business positions.

Japanese women tended to quit their jobs when they had a baby. This used to be because the husband was earning a good wage but then the economy changed. Women needed to go back to the workplace. Nowadays, around 70 percent of women are employed.

The government launched campaigns to cut waiting lists for childcare and instructed companies to offer more women high positions. These measures haven’t been effective.

Japan’s economy was rebuilt after the Second World War with policies such as lifetime employment. The country has continued this approach. Companies disapprove of gaps in a person’s work record, and success in the company is based on age. 'Womenomics' creator, Kathy Matsui, believes the country needs to re-assess these attitudes to employment.