The Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society (Law No. 78 of 1999)

by **Admin** Mon Dec 07, 2009 1:33 pm

The Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society (Law No. 78 of 1999)
(Tentative Translation in English)

Chapter 1 General Provisions
(Purpose)

Article 1

In consideration of the urgency of realizing an affluent and dynamic society in which the human rights of both women and men are respected and which can respond to changes in socioeconomic circumstances, the purpose of this law is to comprehensively and systematically promote formation of a Gender-equal Society by laying out the basic principles in regard to formation of such a society, clarifying the responsibilities of the State and local governments and citizens, and also stipulating provisions to form the basis of policies related to promotion of formation of a Gender-equal Society.

(Definitions)
Article 2

Under this law, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) Formation of a Gender-equal Society: Formation of a society where both women and men shall be given equal opportunities to participate voluntarily in activities in all fields as equal partners in the society, and shall be able to enjoy political, economic, social and cultural benefits equally as well as to share responsibilities.

(2) Positive action: Positive provision of the opportunities stipulated in the preceding item to either women or men within the necessary limits in order to redress gender disparities in terms of such opportunities.

(Respect for the Human Rights of Women and Men)
Article 3

Formation of a Gender-equal Society shall be promoted based on respect for the human rights of women and men, including: respect for the dignity of men and women as individuals; no gender-based discriminatory treatment of women or men; and the securing of opportunities for men and women to exercise their abilities as individuals.

(Consideration to Social Systems or Practices)
Article 4

In consideration that social systems or practices can become factors impeding formation of a Gender-equal Society by reflecting the stereotyped division of roles on the basis of gender, etc., thus having a non-neutral effect on the selection of social activities by women and men, care should be taken so that social systems and practices have as neutral an impact as possible on this selection of social activities.

(Joint Participation in Planning and Deciding Policies, etc.)
Article 5

Formation of a Gender-equal Society shall be promoted based on securing opportunities for women and men to participate jointly as equal partners in the society in planning and deciding policies of the State or local governments, or policies of private bodies.

(Compatibility of Activities in Family Life and Other Activities)
Article 6

Formation of a Gender-equal Society shall be promoted so that women and men can perform their roles smoothly as household members in home-related activities, including child-raising and nursing of family members through mutual cooperation and social support, and can thus perform activities other than these.

(International Cooperation)
Article 7

In consideration of the close relationship between internal promotion of formation of a Gender-equal Society and efforts by the international community, formation of a Gender-equal Society shall be promoted based on international cooperation.

(Responsibility of the State)
Article 8

The State is responsible for the comprehensive formulation and implementation of policies related to promotion of formation of a Gender-equal Society (including positive action. The same shall apply hereinafter.) pursuant to the basic principles on formation of a Gender-equal Society prescribed in Articles 3 to 7 (hereinafter referred to as the "basic principles").

(Responsibility of Local Governments)
Article 9

Local governments are responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies related to promotion of formation of a Gender-equal Society corresponding to national measures, and other policies in accordance with the nature of the areas of local governments, pursuant to the basic principles.

(Responsibility of Citizens)
Article 10

Citizens shall make efforts to contribute to formation of a Gender-equal Society in all areas of society, including workplaces, schools, the local community and the home, pursuant to the basic principles.

(Legislative Measures, etc.)
Article 11

The Government shall take legislative, financial and other measures required to implement the policies related to promotion of formation of a Gender-equal Society.

(Annual Reports, etc.)
Article 12

1. The Government shall submit annually to the Diet a report on the state of formation of a Gender-equal Society and the policies implemented by the Government related to promotion of formation of a Gender-equal Society.

2. The Government shall make and submit annually to the Diet a document explaining the policies the Government is going to implement related to promotion of formation of a Gender-equal Society, considering the state of formation of the society described in the report in the preceding paragraph.