Japan's housewives to help the economy - 27th September 2021

Japan hopes that its women can help it improve its economy. Men rule the workplace, which prevents women from getting the top jobs. Many educated women are forced to stay at home.

Japan tried to solve this problem with a plan called 'Womenomics'. It got a lot of attention. It aimed to increase the number of women in management positions. However, this has still not happened.

Today, there are still few women in politics. 85 percent of business management jobs are held by men.

Traditionally, the majority of women left their jobs after giving birth. Usually, the husband's salary was enough. Then, incomes decreased and more women returned to work. More than three quarters of women under 44 have jobs.

Waiting lists for childcare were reduced. The government also asked companies to have at least one female manager. Unfortunately, not many companies did this.

Japan also has a strict work culture. Many companies employ graduates and give them lifelong jobs. Workers are given better jobs in the company as they get older.

Banker Kathy Matsui thinks the country needs to think about new ways to employ people.