Men in Japan urged to lead change for workplace gender equality

Founded by social entrepreneur Genki Katsube, the #MenWithWomen project promotes 15 behavioural principles, such as ensuring equal allocation of positions within organisations, not treating women like commodities, not seeking sexual favours, and not expecting behaviour based on gender stereotypes. 

“We want men to change and develop views on how to eliminate discrimination and sexual abuse,” Katsube said. 

The principles, which are based on feedback from women, are categorised into the five themes of gender differences within organisations, communication between men and women, sexual harassment, sexual violence, and men’s own attitudes. 

The principles are presented in 15 easy-to-understand pictograms, and they are accompanied by detailed explanations on the project’s website.

Katsube, who has published a book on discussions about the growing number of people moving away from romance and marriage, currently releases content on gender issues while supporting organisations that address social issues. 

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In addition to encouraging schools and companies to adopt the project’s principles, Katsube plans to call for corporations and politicians to use them as an indicator during job hunting and voting. 

“We hope to create connections among people who share the same awareness of the issues within organisations,” Katsube said, reported Japan Today.