Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is among nearly 60 female lawmakers petitioning for more women's toilets in the parliament building to match their growing representation in the legislature. A record 73 women were elected into the 465-seat Lower House in October 2024, significantly exceeding the previous high of 54 in 2009.
Opposition lawmaker Yasuko Komiyama highlighted the challenges faced by women, citing long queues for restrooms before plenary sessions. Currently, there is only one female toilet with two cubicles near the plenary chamber, compared to 12 men's toilets with 67 stalls and urinals available throughout the building.
The growing presence of female MPs has underscored the need for improved facilities, particularly as female staff and visitors share the same restrooms, making the situation increasingly inconvenient. Komiyama expressed her desire to advocate for a future where women hold at least 30% of parliamentary seats.
Japan's parliament, constructed in 1936, predates women's suffrage, which was granted in 1945. Despite recent pledges, only 16% of Lower House seats and about one-third of Upper House seats are currently held by women. Prime Minister Takaichi aims to enhance female representation in her cabinet, although she has only appointed two women out of 19 members.
Nationally, long lines at women's restrooms persist, prompting former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to commit to improving restroom facilities for women. The current initiative by Takaichi and her colleagues seeks to bring about significant changes necessary for empowering women in Japan's political landscape.
Opposition lawmaker Yasuko Komiyama highlighted the challenges faced by women, citing long queues for restrooms before plenary sessions. Currently, there is only one female toilet with two cubicles near the plenary chamber, compared to 12 men's toilets with 67 stalls and urinals available throughout the building.
The growing presence of female MPs has underscored the need for improved facilities, particularly as female staff and visitors share the same restrooms, making the situation increasingly inconvenient. Komiyama expressed her desire to advocate for a future where women hold at least 30% of parliamentary seats.
Japan's parliament, constructed in 1936, predates women's suffrage, which was granted in 1945. Despite recent pledges, only 16% of Lower House seats and about one-third of Upper House seats are currently held by women. Prime Minister Takaichi aims to enhance female representation in her cabinet, although she has only appointed two women out of 19 members.
Nationally, long lines at women's restrooms persist, prompting former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to commit to improving restroom facilities for women. The current initiative by Takaichi and her colleagues seeks to bring about significant changes necessary for empowering women in Japan's political landscape.
