Japan’s first female leader: A historic moment with caveats – BBC

Report on the Appointment of Japan’s First Female Prime Minister and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: A Symbolic Milestone for Gender Equality

The appointment of Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s first female Prime Minister marks a significant, symbolic event. This report analyzes this development within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 5: Gender Equality. While the appointment appears to align with targets for female leadership, an examination of the Prime Minister’s policy stances and the broader national context reveals significant challenges to achieving substantive progress on gender equality in Japan.

2.0 Analysis of Leadership in Relation to SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

The elevation of a woman to the highest political office is a surface-level indicator of progress toward SDG Target 5.5, which aims to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership in political life. However, perspectives from within Japan suggest this development may not translate into meaningful advocacy for women’s rights.

• Skepticism Over Substantive Change: Critics, including youth commentators like Ayda Ogura, argue that the appointment is a “naive interpretation” of progress. They contend that Prime Minister Takaichi’s conservative political ideology perpetuates the patriarchal systems that hinder gender equality.
• Contradictory Policy Stances: The Prime Minister’s platform presents a direct conflict with the principles of SDG 5. Her established positions include:
  • Opposition to same-sex marriage.
  • Opposition to legislation allowing married couples to use separate surnames, a policy that disproportionately affects women.
  • Opposition to female succession within the imperial family.
• Conformity to Status Quo: Concerns have been raised that her success, achieved with the backing of influential conservative male politicians, reinforces the idea that female advancement is contingent on compliance with existing patriarchal norms, rather than challenging them.

3.0 Japan’s National Performance on Gender Equality Metrics

Prime Minister Takaichi’s leadership must be viewed against the backdrop of Japan’s persistent struggles with gender inequality, which fall short of international standards and SDG targets.

3.1 Key Statistical Indicators

1. World Economic Forum Gender Gap Index (2025): Japan is ranked 118th out of 148 countries, indicating a significant gender disparity and a challenge to achieving SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
2. Political Representation (SDG 5.5): Japan ranks last among G7 countries in female parliamentary representation, with women comprising only 15.7% of lawmakers. This demonstrates a systemic barrier to women’s participation in public life.
3. Reproductive Health (SDG 5.6): The nation has been slow to advance women’s reproductive rights, evidenced by the recent and long-delayed approval for over-the-counter emergency contraception, a standard healthcare provision in over 90 other countries.

4.0 Projected Impact and Conclusion

The long-term impact of Prime Minister Takaichi’s tenure on Japan’s progress toward the SDGs remains contested. While some, like former mayor Naomi Koshi, believe her presence may lower “psychological barriers” for aspiring female leaders, the prevailing analysis is one of caution.

Given her policy record and political alliances, it is concluded that issues central to SDG 5 are not expected to be a priority for the new administration. The focus is anticipated to remain on economic recovery and geopolitical matters, leaving the systemic issues underpinning gender inequality in Japan largely unaddressed. The appointment, while historic, is unlikely to catalyze the structural changes required for Japan to meet its commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This is the most prominent SDG discussed in the article. The text revolves around “women empowerment and gender equality in Japan,” the significance of the country’s first female prime minister, and the persistent challenges women face. It explicitly mentions Japan’s poor record on gender issues, the “patriarchal society,” and the low representation of women in politics and leadership, all of which are central to SDG 5.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article addresses the political and social exclusion of women, which is a key aspect of SDG 10. By highlighting how leadership positions are “traditionally been dominated by men” and that society “still pushes them in traditional roles,” the article points to inequalities that prevent women from participating fully in public and economic life. This connects to the goal of promoting the social and political inclusion of all, irrespective of sex.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is relevant through its focus on inclusive and representative institutions. The article’s discussion of the low percentage of female lawmakers in Japan’s national parliament directly relates to the need for decision-making bodies to be representative of the population they serve. The concern that the new female leader may “perpetuate the patriarchal system” rather than make institutions more inclusive is a central theme.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

  This target is relevant because the article mentions specific policies and societal norms that are discriminatory. For example, it notes that Prime Minister Takaichi “has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many women from keeping their maiden names.” This is a legal framework that perpetuates discrimination against women.

• Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.

  This is a central target addressed throughout the article. The appointment of the first female prime minister is the event that frames the discussion. However, the article immediately questions the substance of this achievement by citing Japan’s struggle “to increase the number of female lawmakers and business leaders” and the fact that women make up only “about 15.7% of lawmakers.”

• Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

  The article touches upon this target by highlighting Japan’s slowness “when it comes to women’s reproductive health.” It gives the specific example of the “morning after” pill, a form of emergency contraception, which was only recently approved for over-the-counter use despite being available in over 90 other countries, indicating a lag in ensuring access to reproductive health services.

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… sex…

  The article’s focus on the low representation of women in politics and leadership directly relates to the lack of political inclusion. The statement that Japan’s “political system that has long been dominated by men” is a clear example of the exclusion this target aims to address.

• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

  The article’s data on female political representation speaks directly to this target. A parliament where only 15.7% of lawmakers are women is not fully representative of the general population. The discussion questions whether Takaichi’s leadership will make the government more inclusive or simply reinforce the “status quo.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress.

• Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.

  The article provides a precise figure for this indicator, stating that “women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan.” It further contextualizes this by noting it is the “lowest figure among the G7.”

• Global Gender Gap Index Ranking (Implied Indicator):

  The article explicitly states that “According to the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among 148 countries.” While not an official SDG indicator, this index is a widely used measure of progress towards gender equality and is directly relevant to SDG 5.

• Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.

  This indicator is implied through the discussion of discriminatory legislation. The article’s mention of the debate over allowing “married couples to have separate surnames” points to the existence (or lack thereof) of legal frameworks that ensure gender equality.

• Indicator related to Target 5.6 (Access to Reproductive Health):

  The article provides a qualitative indicator of progress by discussing the recent approval of the “morning after” pill for over-the-counter use. The fact that this approval was slow compared to “more than 90 countries” serves as a measure of Japan’s progress in ensuring universal access to reproductive health.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com