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Japan’s Defense ministry adds “women friendly” projects to the 2015 budget

By Thea Voutiritsas

Reuters/Toru Hanai
Reuters/Toru Hanai

As Japan’s total population declines, Self-Defense Forces has geared up to recruit more women. They have dedicated a portion of their 2015 budget to female-friendly programs, including building and improving daycare facilities on SDF premises, eliminating conventional mindsets about gender roles in the workplace, adding maternity dresses to the selection of military uniforms, and refurbishing the women’s bathing facilities. The SDF aims to create a family-friendly atmosphere that does not pressure women and families to leave after becoming pregnant. These efforts will hopefully increase the number of women in the Japanese military from the previous 5.6% recorded in 2013. For more information, visit qz.com.