Japan will end the “discriminatory” ban on pregnant women getting remarried

On Friday (October 14), Japanese cabinet ministers approved a repeal of a ban on pregnant women seeking a divorce to wait at least 100 days before marrying again.

Originally enacted over 100 years ago, several critics campaigned for its repeal, which prohibited remarriage for six months prior to its revision in 2016, according to AFP.

The law was created to make it easier to identify the child’s father, who will be legally responsible for the infant’s finances.

According to local media, the administration will present the updated civil code to the current legislative session, which ends on December 10 this year. If approved, the amendment is expected to go into effect in 2024, according to AFP.

The new law will also take away parents’ right to discipline their children to the extent necessary.

Two years ago, the government postponed a two-decade-old rule requiring women to hold nearly 30% of top positions in industry and politics.

Despite being one of the most advanced in science and technology, Japan was ranked 116th out of 146 nations in the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender study in 2022.

The report takes into account political empowerment, as well as health, education, and economic participation. The country is currently lagging in terms of closing the gender gap.

The country is making efforts to improve the situation in accordance with the new five-year strategy. Efforts have been made to meet this target by 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for RSP Magazine and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.