Japan: Local assemblies identify barriers that stop women entering politics

Local politicians across Japan feel that more needs to be done to help women enter and remain in politics, from combatting sexual harassment to beefing up maternity leave policies, according to a new survey.

And assemblymen pointed to another obstacle they think is preventing women from breaking the glass ceiling: The views of their own supporters.

“Women are forced to bear many burdens and only superwomen can become politicians as a result,” said Kazunori Kawamura, an associate professor of politics at Tohoku University, who carried out the study.

Click here to read the full article published by The Asahi Shimbun on 7 July 2022.