Creating a Society in which all Women Shine? The Politics behind the Policies for the Advancement of Women

Contrary to widespread skepticism, the Abe government announced new policies for the advancement of women in society and is seemingly committed to promote and implement these policies. Yet, despite this impressive rhetorical commitment, many questions remain unanswered: What are the political motivations and strategies behind the “gender turn” of the Abe cabinet? What are the potential effects on Japan’s gendered political economic regime? Do we now witness a new era of concrete measures and ambitious gender equality polices in Japan, or is this all just cheap talk? The DIJ is honored to welcome two distinguished experts in the field as speakers to this DIJ Forum, who will discuss this topic from their respective perspectives as a former high-ranking government official on the one hand and as an academic, on the other hand.