Japan is known for its strong economy and cutting-edge technology, but when it comes to gender equality in the workplace, the country falls behind. Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, women in the Japanese workforce face significant challenges, including a gender pay gap. According to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, women in Japan make 24.5% less than men, one of the largest gender pay gaps among developed countries. This disparity is even greater when looking at the gap in managerial positions, where women earn 41.5% less than men.
One of the biggest challenges for women in the Japanese workforce is the traditional gender roles that are deeply ingrained in society. The expectation for women to prioritize family and household duties often leads to a lack of opportunities for career development and advancement. This is evident in the low percentage of women in leadership roles, with only 9.9% of management positions held by women in Japan, compared to the global average of 31.3%. Additionally, many companies have a “men first” culture, where men are seen as the breadwinners and have more opportunities for career progression and higher salaries.
The lack of work-life balance policies also contributes to the challenges faced by women in the Japanese workforce. Long working hours and a culture of presenteeism make it difficult
