No. 1345 International Women’s Day and New Law to Support Women
March 8 commemorates the International Women’s Day, which celebrates improvement in women’s social status, when worldwide unified actions are staged across the globe. In Japan, however, we see many women whose human rights are not well guaranteed. Next month in April, finally, a new law to support women will be implemented.
NEW LAW MUST WORK EFFECTIVELY
On April 1, 2024, a new law, called the Law on Assistance to Women with Difficulties, which was enacted in 2022 as legislation initiated by lawmakers, will be implemented. Until now only one law has existed to help women, the law on women’s protection and rehabilitation, which is a discriminatory act based on the former Anti-Prostitution Act. The new law signifies great accomplishment of activist women who have fought for long time.
Respecting women’s will
Article Two of the law stipulates to define that the women with difficulties cover those who are victims of sexual abuse, family’s plights, social relations in local communities and other elements, and that because of the said causes, they have difficulties in leading their daily life or social life in a smooth manner (including those who may face such problems).
The basic idea of the law lies in that official services should be extended to women with difficulties and their will is respected. Women should be protected accordingly from their problems, backgrounds and physical and psychological troubles so that their fundamental human rights could be defended and, at the same time, gender equality be achieved duly.
The assistance means in the law; that considering physical and psychological safety and relief of the recipient-party and respecting her will in the maximum manner, her troubles can be settled after reaching the official consultation stage by way of advice and visiting with careful manner, staying considerate of her feelings.
In accordance with conditions of the party’s needs, the law provides comprehensive aids through linkage and cooperation among related local offices to serve recipients: admission to a facility, assistance in her daily life, recovery from damages, going back to live in the community and supports for an independent life.
It is necessary that women with difficulties, covering those in younger generation, those who take care of children and those elderly, should be assisted properly, responding to their life stages with cooperation between administrative and private organizations, staying closely with beneficiaries.
Role of local governments
In order to provide accurate services, involvement of municipal entities is important: close cooperation is vital between the welfare sections and departments of Gender Equality Office in charge.
Incidentally, female advisers working for local governments, who are the main staff for consultation, must be experts. It is urgent to arrange the official consultative structure and to prepare for extending better services. In addition, a reform in consciousness is needed in the local offices to cope with consultative and supporting jobs. In particular, sincere attitude of mayors and directors of municipalities is crucial.
Let’s fight to improve the status of women in all fields so that the above-mentioned law may be truly effective, women’s rights be protected and gender equality be accomplished.
３月８日は「国際女性デー」。女性の地位向上を目指す統一行動日だが、この国には人権が保障されていない女性たちが多くいる。こうした女性たちを支援する法律が来月ようやく施行される。
２０２２年に議員立法で成立した、「困難な問題を抱える女性への支援に関する法律」（女性支援法）が４月１日に施行される。女性に対する支援は、これまで旧売春防止法を根拠とした差別的な「保護更生」しかなかったが、女性支援にかかわる人たちの長年の願いが叶い実現したものだ。
意思を尊重され
女性支援法第２条で「『困難な問題を抱える女性』とは、性的な被害、家庭の状況、 地域社会との関係性、その他の様々な事情により、 日常生活又は社会生活を円滑に営む上で困難な問題を抱える女性（そのおそれのある女性を含む）をいう」と定められている。
法律の基本理念は困難な問題を抱える女性が、それぞれの意思を尊重されながら、抱えている問題、その背景、心身の状況等に応じた最適な支援を受けられるようにし、人権擁護を図るとともに、「男女平等」の実現に資することだ。
その支援は、 当事者の心身の安全、安心の確保等に留意しつつその意思を最大限に尊重し、本人の立場に寄り添って相談やアウトリーチ（訪問支援）等によって相談につなぐことが重要とされる。
一人ひとりのニーズに応じて施設への入所、生活支援や被害からの回復支援を行い、地域生活への移行や自立支援まで地域の関係機関等が連携、協働して包括的な支援を実施することとしている。
支援は、困難な問題を抱える若年世代や子育て世代、中高年世代と幅広い年齢層の女性に、それぞれのライフステージに合わせて各関係機関が民間団体等とも連携し、当事者の立場に寄り添って行うことが必要だ。
自治体の取組み
そのためには、地方自治体の取組みが重要で、 担当部署については福祉系と男女共同参画関連部署との緊密な連携が求められる。
また、市町村の女性支援の中心となる女性相談員には専門性が求められる。相談業務や支援体制の充実強化が急務である。さらに行政内部の女性支援や相談に対する意識改革が求められる。特に首長や管理職の本気度が問われる。
「女性支援法」を真に実効あるものにし、女性の人権保障とジェンダー平等実現のために、社会のあらゆる場で女性の地位向上を図ろう。
英訳版↓
No. 1345 International Women’s Day and New Law to Support Women
March 8 commemorates the International Women’s Day, which celebrates improvement in women’s social status, when worldwide unified actions are staged across the globe. In Japan, however, we see many women whose human rights are not well guaranteed. Next month in April, finally, a new law to support women will be implemented.
NEW LAW MUST WORK EFFECTIVELY
On April 1, 2024, a new law, called the Law on Assistance to Women with Difficulties, which was enacted in 2022 as legislation initiated by lawmakers, will be implemented. Until now only one law has existed to help women, the law on women’s protection and rehabilitation, which is a discriminatory act based on the former Anti-Prostitution Act. The new law signifies great accomplishment of activist women who have fought for long time.
Respecting women’s will
Article Two of the law stipulates to define that the women with difficulties cover those who are victims of sexual abuse, family’s plights, social relations in local communities and other elements, and that because of the said causes, they have difficulties in leading their daily life or social life in a smooth manner (including those who may face such problems).
The basic idea of the law lies in that official services should be extended to women with difficulties and their will is respected. Women should be protected accordingly from their problems, backgrounds and physical and psychological troubles so that their fundamental human rights could be defended and, at the same time, gender equality be achieved duly.
The assistance means in the law; that considering physical and psychological safety and relief of the recipient-party and respecting her will in the maximum manner, her troubles can be settled after reaching the official consultation stage by way of advice and visiting with careful manner, staying considerate of her feelings.
In accordance with conditions of the party’s needs, the law provides comprehensive aids through linkage and cooperation among related local offices to serve recipients: admission to a facility, assistance in her daily life, recovery from damages, going back to live in the community and supports for an independent life.
It is necessary that women with difficulties, covering those in younger generation, those who take care of children and those elderly, should be assisted properly, responding to their life stages with cooperation between administrative and private organizations, staying closely with beneficiaries.
Role of local governments
In order to provide accurate services, involvement of municipal entities is important: close cooperation is vital between the welfare sections and departments of Gender Equality Office in charge.
Incidentally, female advisers working for local governments, who are the main staff for consultation, must be experts. It is urgent to arrange the official consultative structure and to prepare for extending better services. In addition, a reform in consciousness is needed in the local offices to cope with consultative and supporting jobs. In particular, sincere attitude of mayors and directors of municipalities is crucial.
Let’s fight to improve the status of women in all fields so that the above-mentioned law may be truly effective, women’s rights be protected and gender equality be accomplished.
March 6, 2024