Earlier this week, Iran rejected a 15-point ceasefire proposal presented by the US and instead laid out five conditions to end the war, which was started by the US and Israel in late February. The official noted that these five conditions are in addition to the demands Tehran was making during
Miss Grand Thailand contestants' rain dance during finale goes viral, reminds fans of Katrina Kaif. WatchDuring the Miss Grand Thailand 2026 finale, the contestants gave a vibrant performance that included a rain dance segment and received varied feedback. Updated on: Mar 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a vibrant roadshow in Thrissur, Kerala. Thousands gathered to see him as he campaigned for the NDA. The event saw enthusiastic crowds and prominent NDA leaders participating. The Prime Minister greeted supporters from an open vehicle during the procession through
On Saturday, Kohli displayed vintage form during the IPL 2026 season opener for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has sparked a significant conversation by suggesting that Virat Kohli still has five to six years of international
The accused, previously declared a proclaimed offender and wanted in multiple cases, had been absconding since 2024. A cash reward of Rs 50,000 had been offered for his arrest. In a major breakthrough, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested Mohd. Israr
![Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 29 (ANI): A fire broke out at a factory near the Lal kuan area of Ghaziabad on Sunday, officials said.However](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/fire-breaks-out-at-factory-in-ghaziabad.webp?height=154)
Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 29 (ANI): A fire broke out at a factory near the Lal kuan area of Ghaziabad on Sunday, officials said.However, no casualties reported. Chief Fire Officer Rahul Kumar said, “On March 29, at 13:47, information was received at the Kotwali Fire Station that a
Foreign photographer faces backlash for painting elephant pink in Jaipur for photoshoot: 'Should’ve just used AI'A foreign photographer is being slammed online for painting an elephant pink for a photoshoot. Updated on: Mar 29, 2026 4:39 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link A foreign
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the BJP government has halted infiltration in Assam over the past decade. He emphasized that this is insufficient and every illegal immigrant must be deported. Shah urged voters to support the BJP to ensure Himanta Biswa Sarma returns as Chief Minister
Japan is going backwards on gender equality
In the 2025 global gender gap index (GGGI), Japan ranks 118th out of 148 countries – still the lowest among the G7 nations and among the poorest performers globally. This is largely because of limited political participation by women. The current cabinet of prime minister Ishiba Shigeru says it all. In October 2024, Japan's new prime minister appointed only two women to a 20-member cabinet – down from five in the previous lineup.
The decision was widely criticised as a setback for advancing female political representation and a clear sign that gender-equality policies were not a priority.
But the country has continued to take backward steps on gender. In January, Japan announced it would halt funding for the UN's Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw). The decision followed Cedaw's recommendation that Japan revise its male-only imperial succession law to ensure gender equality in the line to the throne.
The funding halt sparked a strong backlash from rights advocates, who viewed it as further evidence of Japan's resistance to addressing structural discrimination against women.
The debate over Japan's imperial succession has surfaced periodically for decades. Since 1947, the Imperial Household Law has stipulated that only men from the patrilineal line can ascend what is known as the Chrysanthemum throne. This rule has led to concerns over the future of the imperial family, given the shrinking number of male heirs.
Japan's Emperor Naruhito turned 65 on February 23 and has only three male heirs. These are his uncle Prince Hitachi (aged 89), his younger brother Crown Prince Fumihito (59), and his nephew Prince Hisahito, who is 18.
A poll of around 2,000 people taken in April 2024 by Kyodo News found 90% of respondents support allowing female emperors. Yet successive governments have remained steadfast in resisting change, with some citing the so-called unbroken imperial lineage (bansei ikkei).
Ishiba is known to favour allowing a female succession. But his administration's financial retaliation against Cedaw signals otherwise. The decision is not merely a reaction to a non-binding recommendation – it reflects deeper discomfort with external scrutiny over Japan's gender policies, which the current government has deprioritised.
Cedaw's recommendation to Japan that it might reconsider its imperial succession system was not an isolated critique. The UN committee has regularly called on Japan to improve gender equality in multiple areas. These include workplace discrimination, representation in politics and legal protections against gender-based violence.
Cedaw's recommendation on inclusive succession is neither legally binding nor “within the purview of the Committee's competence”, as the committee itself acknowledges. As a result the government's response – cutting funding – is more than just a reaction to Cedaw's recommendation. It raises concerns about Japan's commitment to gender equality full stop.
The United Nations has clashed with successive Japanese governments over a range of gender-related issues. These have included the refusal of Japan to allow brides to retain their maiden names. Cedaw has recommended that Japan amend the Civil Code over the surname requirement in 2003, 2009 and 2016. The most recent occasion is marked the recommendation as having high importance.
But the most important issue is over Japan's treatment of what it called “comfort women” – the system of military sexual slavery before and during the second world war. Cedaw and other UN bodies have repeatedly urged Japan to resolve the issue by firstly recognising the gravity of the crimes involved and dealing with reparations for survivors and strengthen education on the issue.
Japan has frequently been accused of downplaying this issue. While official apologies have been made, they have frequently been coupled with denials or diplomatic efforts to dilute past statements. In its last report in 2016, Cedaw called on Japan to ensure its leaders and public officials “desist from making disparaging statements regarding responsibility, which have the effect of retraumatising victims”.
Japan's relationship with international organisations addressing gender issues has long been uneasy and its domestic policies frequently lag behind international expectations. Reports from the committee have criticised Japan's inadequate legal definitions of discrimination against women, limited access to justice for women, and the persistence of deep-seated gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes.
This year holds special significance for the UN, marking two major anniversaries. It's the 30th anniversary of the United Nations fourth world conference on women. This produced the Beijing declaration and platform for action – the most widely endorsed global agenda for women's rights. And it's the 25th anniversary of the UN's adoption of Resolution 1325. This established the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. WPS is now recognised as a key pillar of international peace and security, regarded by the European Parliament's committee on women's rights and gender equality as “central to contemporary global peace and security challenges”.
Amid increasing global support for women-led initiatives, Japan's decision to halt funding for Cedaw in 2025 risks damaging its status as a responsible and respected nation on the world stage. It also risks alienating allies that prioritise gender equality in diplomacy.
In distancing itself from global norms, Japan risks not just falling behind, but falling out of step with most of its G7 peers.
Ming Gao is Research Fellow of East Asia Studies, Lund University.
This article was first published on The Conversation.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Saif Ali Khan weighs in on gender wage gap in Bollywood Saif Ali Khan feels gender has nothing to do with pay gap in Bollywood Gender pay gap won't close for another 30 years Enduring gender gap in Time Use suggests the influence of patriarchal norms Air quality index nears BSE gets SEBI nod to launch derivatives on Sensex Next 30 index ICICI Prudential Life rolls out Sector Leaders Index Fund for ULIP investors Gender-Intelligent Banking Could Unlock USD 688 Billion For Indian Banks FIFA mandates new rules to tackle gender bias in leadership roles
Longevity doctor shares 7-point exercise cheat sheet to beat sedentary lifestyle: Count steps, build strength, and moreSitting at a desk every day is making exercising right increasingly important in our daily life. Dr Thomas Paloschi shares seven hacks to help get started. Updated on: Mar 29
2 hours ago
Multiple victims filmed, minors included: 5 key updates in Goa sex scandal caseA 20-year-old man was arrested for sharing sexually explicit photos and videos of girls, many of them minors. Published on: Mar 29, 2026 5:29 PM IST By HT News Desk Share via Copy link A sex scandal is Goa has left the
2 hours ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also renewed her allegations that the party has targeted Bengali-speaking communities in other states. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday sharply criticised the BJP ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections
2 hours ago
Punjab AAP MLA Pathanmajra's police remand extended by 7 daysPunjab AAP MLA Pathanmajra's police remand extended by 7 days Published on: Mar 29, 2026 6:02 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Patiala, A court here on Sunday extended by seven days the police remand of A MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra
2 hours ago
PRD jawan dies in Dehradun police custody; inquiry orderedPRD jawan dies in Dehradun police custody; inquiry ordered Published on: Mar 29, 2026 6:00 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Dehradun, A Provincial Guards Force jawan, who was taken into police custody here on charges of creating a ruckus
2 hours ago
IPL 2026 KKR vs MI Pitch Report, Weather Forecast: Mumbai is set for clear skies with temperatures in the mid-to-late 20s, ensuring ideal playing conditions. The Wankhede pitch is expected to favour batters, continuing its high-scoring trend. With short boundaries and good bounce
2 hours ago
iPhone Lockdown Mode Features: The company confirmed it has not observed a single case where an iPhone or other Apple device running Lockdown Mode was compromised. iPhone Lockdown Mode Features: Tim Cook-led Apple has made a big claim that is catching everyone’s attention
2 hours ago
IPL 2026 KKR vs MI Live Stream: Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to clash in a high-profile IPL 2026 encounter on Sunday, March 29, at the Wankhede Stadium. This early-season fixture offers both Hardik Pandya's MI and KKR a crucial opportunity to build momentum
2 hours ago
Starring Akhil Akkineni and Bhagyashri Borse, Lenin has been postponed to June 26 to avoid a box office clash with Ram Charan’s upcoming release. Hyderabad: The makers of director Murali Kishor Abburu’s eagerly awaited film ‘Lenin’, featuring actors Akhil Akkineni and Bhagyashri Borse in
2 hours ago
Dhurandhar 2 actor reveals how Ranveer Singh took care of pregnant Deepika Padukone during film's shootDhurandhar The Revenge actor reveals how Ranveer Singh managed family time with Deepika Padukone during film's shoot. Mar 29, 2026, 17:34:32 IST Written by Riya Sharma Share via Copy link
2 hours ago
The short clip shows a man trying to lift his child’s spirits in the simplest yet most heartfelt way, by blowing bubbles. The video also highlighted the emotional bond between a parent and child, particularly during vulnerable moments. A touching video capturing a father’s gentle attempt to
2 hours ago
AIFF ExCo studies commercial bids for key competitions Published on: Mar 29, 2026 5:31 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link AIFF ExCo studies commercial bids for key competitions Key Takeaways Summary is AI-generated The All India Football Federation's Executive Committee reviewed bids for commercial
2 hours ago
British police said on Sunday seven people suffered "serious but not life-threatening injuries" and a man had been arrested for attempted murder after a car drove into people on a street in an English city. "The seven suffered a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries and we can confirm
2 hours ago
Hundreds of people were evacuated from a nightclub in southwest Germany after a fire broke out, police said Sunday, with images from the scene showing the blaze raging on the building's roof. Images published in German media showed a huge fire on the roof of the nightclub
2 hours ago
Goa quietly made a mark at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur, following a determined effort from weightlifter Agnes Fernandes on Saturday. Competing in the women’s 69kg category, Fernandes secured a bronze medal with a combined lift of 130kg
2 hours ago
Vijay Deverakonda responds to ‘1st fan’ who had crush on him before he became star: ‘You are special’. WatchA fan posted a Reel of her interactions with Vijay Deverakonda, revealing how she had a crush on him even before he became a star. Here's how he responded. Mar 29, 2026
2 hours ago
Two more India-flagged LPG tankers safely transit Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia conflictWhile BW TYR is proceeding towards Mumbai with an expected arrival on March 31, BW ELM is en route to New Mangalore with an estimated arrival date of April 1. Published on: Mar 29
2 hours ago
Nepal’s former energy minister Deepak Khadka was arrested on Sunday in connection with a money laundering investigation, AFP quoted the country’s police as saying. The arrest came a day after former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested in a case
2 hours ago
New Delhi, Mar 29 (PTI) Airlines will start offering at least 60 per cent of seats in a flight without levying any additional charge from April 20, as well as maintain a transparent seat allocation policy, according to aviation watchdog DGCA. On March 18
2 hours ago
Oppo Pad 5 Review 2026: The Oppo Pad 5 stands out as a strong mid-range tablet in 2026, offering a balanced mix of performance, display quality, and AI-powered productivity features. I Oppo Pad 5 Review 2026: The Oppo Pad 5 enters the mid-range tablet segment with a strong focus on productivity
2 hours ago
Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending an oil shipment to ease the fuel supply disruptions in the Island nation caused by the West Asia conflict. He also thanked External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his support
2 hours ago
April 2026 will see a diverse slate of Bollywood releases, including Dacoit, Bhooth Bangla, Ginny Weds Sunny 2, and Mercy, spanning action, comedy, romance, and social drama. New Delhi: April brings an exciting lineup of Bollywood releases, offering a mix of action, comedy, romance
4 hours ago
Step inside India’s steel woman Sminu Jindal's stunning white sea-facing bungalow in MumbaiSminu Jindal's home is a warm, welcoming place in the heart of Mumbai, where the muted aesthetic and minimalist furnishing allow stories and artworks to shine. Updated on: Mar 29
4 hours ago
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stressed the importance of party workers at the TDP's 44th Foundation Day. He assured recognition and positions for dedicated cadres. Naidu recalled the party's history of sacrifices and welfare initiatives
4 hours ago
A political controversy has erupted after a statement attributed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee drew sharp criticism from the BJP, with party leaders accusing her of making insensitive remarks on a religious issue. Sharing a video clip
4 hours ago
New Delhi, Mar 29 (PTI) Four people, including a child, were injured after they jumped from the first floor of a residential building in northeast Delhi’s Gokal Puri area to escape a fire that broke out in the early hours of Sunday. The incident was reported around 2
4 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.These 10 multimedia speakers fit your PC desk perfectly and enhance the audioFrom compact setups to powerful sound systems, these multimedia speakers enhance music, movies
4 hours ago
