Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave lands on TIME100 Next list
Summary
Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata City in Japan, became the country's first mayor to take maternity leave after giving birth in September. She was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential rising stars for her role in sparking debate about maternity leave for elected officials in Japan.Key Facts
- Shoko Kawata is the mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto prefecture, Japan.
- She took 16 weeks of maternity leave after giving birth to her first child on September 15.
- There is no law in Japan that covers maternity leave for local elected officials, so she made a special plan to transfer duties to her deputy.
- Kawata supported working remotely when possible during her leave.
- Her decision caused mixed reactions in Japan, with some supporting her and others criticizing her for stepping away from duties.
- Critics said officials should not take extended leave or should resign if they want children.
- Kawata said criticizing maternity leave for politicians effectively excludes women of childbearing age from public office.
- Kawata wants to use her experience as a new parent to influence social policies for families and children.
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