‘I didn’t expect it to be so controversial’: the Japanese mayor who took maternity leave
Shoko Kawata’s decision to take time off to have a baby – an unprecedented step for a mayor – has sparked weeks of debate inside Japan
TL;DR
- Mayor Shoko Kawata's maternity leave decision has caused significant debate in Japan.
- Japan's laws do not explicitly cover maternity leave for city mayors, making Kawata the first to take it.
- The decision challenges the traditional Japanese work culture that prioritizes career over personal life.
- Japan ranks low in gender equality (118th out of 148), with few women in leadership roles.
- Kawata, who campaigned on improving childcare, aims to inspire other women and promote social systems that support balancing career and family.
- She plans to return to work by December, following national standards.