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Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave named on TIME100 Next list
Overview
Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto prefecture and Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave, has been named on the TIME100 Next list of influential rising stars. Her decision sparked a national debate regarding elected officials taking time off for childbirth, drawing both support and criticism in a country facing low birth rates. Because local elected officials in Japan lack a legal framework for maternity leave, Kawata arranged to transfer authority to her deputy mayor for 16 weeks while working remotely when possible, and gave birth to her first child on 15 September.
Key points
- Shoko Kawata, mayor of Yawata City, has been included in TIME Magazine's TIME100 Next list.
- She became Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave after giving birth to her first child on 15 September.
- Her decision ignited a national debate, drawing criticism that taking leave was irresponsible and support praising her as a role model.
- As Japan lacks a legal framework for elected officials taking maternity leave, Kawata transferred her authority to her deputy mayor for 16 weeks while working remotely where feasible.
- Kawata argued that criticising politicians for taking maternity leave effectively excludes women of childbearing age from holding public office.