The Prime Minister of Japan joined a campaign by more than 50 of his fellow female lawmakers who are calling for more women’s toilets in Parliament. They point out that the increase in women’s representation has led to long queues near the existing facilities.
According to the petition filed by female MPs on December 12, Tokyo’s lower house currently has only two toilet stalls for 73 women MPs.
The country’s first female leader, Sanae Takoychi, elected last year, is among the 58 lawmakers who supported the request. The petition was backed by members of seven parties and independent groups, according to the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party.
“Before the start of the main session, a significant number of women lawmakers are indeed lining up in front of the women’s toilet,” said Yasuko Komiyama of the Constitutional Democratic Party.
Gender dynamics and context in Japan
Japan remains a culturally conservative country where politics and workplaces for years have been dominated by older men. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, the country ranks 118th out of 148, underscoring the need for further changes.
Last year, Takoychi’s historic election took place, and the number of women elected to Parliament increased; however, according to IPU Parline data, women still hold just under 16 percent of seats in the lower house.
The shortage of toilets is viewed as a “critically important issue” that could potentially affect the course of proceedings and the performance of deputies’ duties.
In posts, Komiyama stressed that the issue affects not only female MPs but also female staff and the growing number of female journalists.
Before the start of the main session, a significant number of women lawmakers are indeed lining up in front of the women’s toilet
– Yasuko Komiyama
In her posts, Komiyama also noted that the issue affects not only female MPs but also female staff and the media covering Parliament.
She stressed that the issue of toilet shortages has long been a topic of discussion.
The National Diet Building in Tokyo has a history dating back to 1936: after granting women’s suffrage in 1945, it became a symbol of the evolution of the parliamentary system and democracy in the country, and the first woman MP was elected the following year.
There is a prevailing reluctance in society to raise the issue of adding more women’s toilets in workplaces and schools
– Tomoe Ishii
Analysts emphasize that the need for convenient infrastructure for women in government structures is part of a broader movement for gender equality in Japan, where decisions require systemic support and understanding from society.
AloJapan.com