The National Personnel Authority has released a report stating that the percentage of women who passed the Japanese government‘s recruiting exam for noncareer roles reached its highest point at 43 percent in fiscal 2024, up from 40.3 percent the previous year. Officials from the agency believe that this increase can be attributed to the government’s efforts to create a supportive work environment for individuals balancing childcare and employment responsibilities. However, while there was an increase in the proportion of women who passed the test, there was a slight decrease in the overall number of female passers, dropping from 3,336 to 3,250 in fiscal 2024.
In total, there was an 8.6 percent decrease in the number of people passing the test, with a total of 7,557 passers. The applicant-to-passer ratio remained unchanged at 3.2 times compared to fiscal year 2023.
Experts have praised the government’s initiatives aimed at improving working conditions for those responsible for childcare. Yukiko Okawa, a professor specializing in gender and employment issues at the University of Tokyo, emphasized that creating a supportive workplace environment is crucial for women to advance their careers while fulfilling family obligations.
However, some critics argue that although there has been an increase in the proportion of women passing the test, it is still concerning that there hasn’t been significant improvement in terms of overall numbers. Naoko Sekine, a women’s rights advocate and attorney stated that more needs to be done to address gender inequality within Japan’s federal workforce.
Recognizing this need for gender equality within workplaces, Japan’s government has implemented various measures to support women’s professional development. These initiatives include improving access to daycare centers and promoting flexible work schedules as well as offering training courses specifically designed for female staff members. The aim is to create an inclusive work environment where individuals can effectively manage both their personal and professional lives without facing unnecessary barriers or discrimination.
