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Article

27 Jul 2014

Japan: In 2013 only 7.5% of managers in the private sector were women

[English summary of original Japanese article, provided by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre].  11 years ago, the Japanese government announced a goal of 30% female representation in managerial positions. The reality remains far behind: as of last year, 7.5% of managers in the private sector were women, and only 3% of the civil service. At the heart of the problem is the culture of working long hours, for both men and women. Itochu Corporation has introduced a new working hours framework, prohibiting working beyond 20.00 and paying overtime for hours worked early in the morning. The change resulted in a total reduction of 3,350 hours per month worked by the company’s over 2600 staff. Staff also report that they are able to spend more time with their family and feel less inhibited from taking holidays.

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