The Low Level of Women’s Political Participation in Japan and the Flow to Decentralization as seen in the UK’s Regime Change
DEVNET Japan Advisor Takamasa ISHIZUKA
While the ratio of female members of the Labour Party reached 46% in the UK general election in 2024, the percentage of female members of the House of Representatives in Japan is only 9.9%. This situation highlights the lagging gender equality in Japanese politics and the social barriers that women face.
The following concrete measures are needed to address this issue.
- 1. To reform the laws and institutions: In Japan, the Act on the Promotion of Gender Equality in the Political Fields was passed in 2018, but it has not led to an actual increase in the number of female candidates due to its lack of effectiveness and enforcement. Introducing a system that legally mandates the percentage of female candidates, such as the quota system introduced in France and Canada, would be an effective means of achieving this target.
- 2. To reform gender consciousness within political parties: Japanese political parties still have a strong male-dominated culture, which limits opportunities for women to play leadership roles. Programs and support systems must be introduced to foster women’s leadership within political parties.
- 3. To change in social perceptions: In Japanese society, there remains a stereotype that politics is a male domain, which hinders women’s participation in politics. It is necessary for the media and educational institutions to actively and loudly appeal the importance of gender equality and foster a climate in which women’s participation in politics is the norm.
- 4. To improve the work-life balance and strengthen support systems: Political activities often require long hours of working, which is especially burdensome for women of child-rearing age. It is essential to introduce flexible work styles and improve childcare support systems.
In the United Kingdom, the general election on July 4, 2024 marked the first change of government in 14 years, shifting power from the Conservative Party to the Labour Party. The percentage of female members of the Labour Party is 46%, compared to 24% only for the Conservative Party. The background to this change of government reflects the political advancement of women. Particularly, it is noted that Sinn Fein became the leading party in Northern Ireland, fielding 677 female candidates, occupying 31% of the total. This means that the party that seeks to unite the states with the Republic of Ireland has become the largest force in Northern Ireland, indicating that the withdrawal from the United Kingdom and the return to the European Union is now a reality.
This move casts doubt on the unity of the United Kingdom as a united kingdom and also implies the possibility of Scottish and Welsh independence. This unstable political situation may also affect Japan.
In Japanese politics, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been in power for a long time since the end of World War II. However, the recent problems of illegal money in political funds and the former Unity Church have shaken the confidence in politics. These problems demonstrate the fragility of the Japanese political system and the need of reform.
Since the end of World War II, Japan has faced many constraints in terms of politics and government administration. As a result, the country has been driven by short-term issues without establishing a long-term vision for the nation’s management. On the economic front as well, Japan has not been able to chart its next course from the path to the economic superpower that it once was.
Given these circumstances, Japan needs to look at the change of government in the UK as an example for other countries to follow in order to establish a national foundation and to seek a new way to contribute to the world. Specifically, there is an urgent need for institutional reforms to promote women’s participation in politics, gender awareness reform within political parties, changes in social perceptions, and an improved work-life balance.
At the same time, it is important for each and every citizen to raise the awareness of politics and to be truly awaken. A fundamental review of Japan’s political system, respect for diversity, and a political system with a long-term vision will lead to Japan’s future development and improvement of its positioning in the international community.
Taking the example of the United Kingdom, women’s participation in politics is a common issue not only in Japan but also worldwide. To help women lead society as entrepreneurs, DEVNET has relaunched 2024 WINNER, a small business support program that pioneered women’s participation in the global trading and information network from 1999 to 2009. The time has come to build a fair and effective political system and to manage society in a way that brings a rich life to every citizen.