Japan: Female candidates in the Upper House election are encountering various types of harassment from voters and supporters, including stalking, death threats, and excessively long handshakes and hugs. This issue poses a significant challenge as Japan strives to boost the number of women in political positions. The government has set a target for women to make up 35% of parliamentary candidates by 2025, yet this election only sees 29.1% of candidates being women. The report indicates that women are facing a range of harassment, from unwanted touching to catcalling, both from voters and colleagues. Experts highlight that while Japan still has a long way to go in eliminating harassment from elections, establishing support systems for female candidates is a crucial first step. Currently, Japan lacks a structured network of consultation centers and regulations. “Aiming for zero harassment is too ambitious for now,” stated Mari Hamada, co-director of the nonprofit Harassment Consultation Center for Women in Politics.
- Lord, we pray for the establishment of effective support systems and protective measures for women in politics, that they may work towards eliminating harassment and creating a safe environment (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 31:8).
- Lord, we pray for the safety, protection, and resilience of female candidates who face harassment during their campaigns. Give them courage as they navigate these challenges and for their voices to be heard (The Holy Bible, Psalm 28:7).
News Source: The Japan Times
Image Source: Canva
