Unraveling the Gender Gap: A Global Perspective and Japan's Unique Context

The Global Gender Landscape: Progress and Stagnation

In the quest for gender parity, the world has made strides, yet the journey is far from over. The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of gender equality across 146 countries. The report's findings are both encouraging and sobering, revealing a global gender gap score of 68.4% closed. This means that, on average, more than two-thirds of the worldwide gender gap has been bridged.

Global Gender Gap Report 2023

However, the report underscores a stark reality: no country has yet achieved full gender parity. The top nine performers—Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Nicaragua, Namibia, and Lithuania—have closed at least 80% of their gender gap. Iceland leads the pack, being the only country to have closed more than 90% of its gender gap.

The Dichotomy of Progress: Health and Education vs. Economic Participation and Politics

The WEF report highlights a dichotomy in the progress towards gender equality. On the one hand, the global gender gaps in health and education have narrowed over the past year. On the other hand, progress on political empowerment is effectively at a standstill, and women’s economic participation has regressed rather than recovered.

This dichotomy underscores the complexity of the gender gap issue. While strides have been made in providing equal access to health services and education, these gains have not translated into equal economic and political opportunities.

Women in the Workforce: A Global Challenge

The state of gender parity in the labour market remains a major challenge. The report reveals that women’s participation in the labour market globally has slipped in recent years. Even when women secure employment, they often face substandard working conditions.

Moreover, women remain significantly underrepresented in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce. Women make up almost half (49.3%) of total employment across non-STEM occupations, but just 29.2% of all STEM workers. This underrepresentation of women in STEM is a global concern, given the sector's critical role in driving innovation and economic growth.

Japan's Gender Parity Context: A Unique Landscape

In the global gender parity landscape, Japan presents a unique context. Despite being one of the world's largest economies, Japan has struggled to close its gender gap, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment.

Japan's gender gap in the workforce is a reflection of deep-rooted societal norms and expectations. Traditional gender roles often relegate women to domestic duties, limiting their opportunities for full-time employment. Moreover, the lack of women in senior leadership positions and politics is a testament to the persistent glass ceiling that women face.

The Vertigo of Late Modernity

However, Japan has made significant progress in education, with near parity in secondary and tertiary education enrolment rates. This educational attainment has not translated into equal economic opportunities, revealing a "leaky pipeline" where women are not progressing to senior roles despite their educational qualifications.

後期近代の眩暈　―排除から過剰包摂へ―　新装版

The STEM Paradox: High Education, Low Participation

The underrepresentation of women in STEM is particularly pronounced in Japan. Despite having one of the highest rates of tertiary education among women globally, Japan has one of the lowest rates of women in STEM fields. This paradox can be attributed to various factors, including societal expectations, lack of role models, and workplace cultures that are not conducive to women's participation.

The Road Ahead: Accelerating Progress Towards Parity

The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. It provides a tool for consistent tracking of gender gaps across the economic, political, health, and education spheres, and is designed for leaders to identify areas for individual and collective action.

In Japan, the challenge is to translate educational gains into economic opportunities and political empowerment for women. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy reforms, corporate initiatives, and societal shifts in attitudes towards gender roles.

Policy Reforms: A Catalyst for Change

Policy reforms can play a crucial role in accelerating progress towards gender parity. In Japan, this could include policies that promote flexible working arrangements, encourage shared parental responsibilities, and address gender biases in hiring and promotion practices.

However, it is important to critique the over-inclusiveness that often characterizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. While well-intentioned, these initiatives can sometimes dilute the focus on gender parity by trying to address all forms of inequality simultaneously. A more targeted approach may be necessary to address the unique challenges that women face.

Corporate Initiatives: Driving Change from Within

Corporations have a significant role to play in promoting gender equality. In Japan, companies can take steps to create more inclusive workplaces, such as implementing diversity and inclusion policies, providing mentorship and leadership training for women, and setting targets for women in leadership positions.

Yet, it is crucial to move beyond nominal parity and ensure substantive equality. Having women in leadership positions is not enough if they do not have the power to influence decision-making processes. Corporations need to ensure that women leaders have the resources, support, and authority they need to effect change.

Societal Shifts: Changing Attitudes Towards Gender Roles

Ultimately, achieving gender parity requires societal shifts in attitudes towards gender roles. In Japan, this means challenging traditional gender norms that limit women's opportunities and potential. It involves promoting a culture that values and respects women's contributions in all spheres of life, from the home to the workplace to the political arena.

The Future of Gender Parity: A Collective Endeavor

The quest for gender parity is a collective endeavor that requires the concerted efforts of governments, corporations, and individuals. The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. In Japan, as in the rest of the world, the journey towards gender parity continues. It is a journey that requires persistence, courage, and a shared commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.