Japan: Unions demand gender equality in media

Four media workers’ unions in Japan have demanded gender equality in Japan’s media and call for stronger female representation in the industry, which they consider to be currently critically gender-biased against women. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined forces to express support for their calls. On February 10, members of Japan’s four key union federations held a press conference in light of the recent controversy surrounding sexist remarks made by former Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshiro Mori, in his role as the chair of Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee. They demand an increase in women occupying executive positions in media industry associations to at least 30 per cent, to be achieved through setting numerical targets or introduction of quota systems. The unions also called for the establishment of a standing committee within associations to prioritise the promotion of gender equality in the media and address gender issues.