国際｜国連委員が皇室典範を批判 / International | UN committee criticizes the Imperial Household Law

Summary

Bandana Rana, a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, criticized Japan’s Imperial Household Law.

She specifically pointed out that limiting succession to the male line and the obligation for couples to share the same surname are based on patriarchal norms that place women in subordinate positions. Rana emphasized that even with an excellent constitution, gender equality cannot be achieved as long as laws and policies are governed by stereotypes.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Log: Hey Chako, did you know that a UN committee is criticizing the Imperial Household Law? Apparently, the issue is with the succession being limited to male heirs only.
Chako: Really? Why is that happening?
Log: It seems to be rooted in patriarchal thinking.
Navi: Patriarchy is considered a factor that hinders the realization of gender equality.
Chako: I see! So, how can we go about changing that?
Log: First, laws and policies need to be freed from fixed stereotypes.

Admin’s Note

The remarks from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women remind us of the importance of gender equality in our society. In particular, discussions about the Imperial Household Law and the obligation for couples to have the same surname provide an opportunity to reflect on how long-standing traditions intersect with modern values. The interest of younger generations, like Chako, in these issues could be the first step toward transformative change for the future. I hope that many more people will engage in this discussion and share their opinions.