Basic Plan

Introduction

Gender equality, as defined in the Basic Law for a Gender-Equal Society enacted in 1999, involves the “formation of a society where both women and men shall be given equal opportunities to participate voluntarily in activities in all fields as equal partners in the society, and shall be able to enjoy political, economic, social and cultural benefits equally as well as to share responsibilities”. As such, the achievement of a gender-equal society is regarded as a top-priority issue that will define Japanese society in the 21st century.

Gunma University formulated the Basic Plan for Gender Equality Promotion at Gunma University to fulfill its obligations as a university and contribute to the achievement of a gender-equal society through the conscious and active promotion of gender equality.

Basic Principles

Gunma University has adopted the basic principles outlined below to promote gender equality based on a respect for human rights.

Basic Policies

Gunma University has formulated the basic policies outlined below, with the aim of putting the basic principles into practice.

1. Review systems and practices from the perspective of gender equality
· Eliminate stereotyped perceptions of gender roles.
· Establish a work/study environment that is comfortable for both males and females.
· Prevent conduct that violates human dignity (sexual harassment, power harassment, etc.), and establish an environment that respects human rights.

2. Conduct activities to raise awareness and educate faculty and students about gender equality
· Engage in efforts to raise awareness through events such as symposiums and lectures on the topic of gender equality.
· Actively provide information to the younger generation, and introduce role models.
· Conduct liberal arts classes to expand education on issues of gender equality, and establish programs to increase the number of female graduate students.
· Establish and provide places for interaction between students and teachers.

3. Expand female participation in decision-making for university operations
· Actively strive to appoint competent females to serve as managers and participants in important meetings such as decision meetings.
(Appointment target values (as of April 1, 2016) – Executives: 12.5%, Managers: 14.3%)

4. Increase the number of female teachers, and establish a support system
· To improve the male/female ratio of teachers, thoroughly review the methods of recruiting and publicizing employment opportunities, and strive to expand the number of competent female teachers.
· To advance the careers of female teachers, expand training opportunities on- and off-campus, and establish a system to provide counseling and advice aimed at resolving issues faced by younger female employees.

5. Provide support for balancing home life with education/research, employment, and training
· Establish a workplace environment that supports the ability to take leave to care for a child or family member, regardless of gender.
· Establish a support system that arranges for substitute workers or support staff, so that the performance of work is not affected by circumstances such as the birth or raising of children.
· To establish work-life balance, consider ways to support the ability to work from home, provide on-campus child care facilities, and offer a wide variety of child care services.

6. Cooperate with organizations such as local governments and businesses
· Cooperate with organizations such as regional governments, universities, and businesses in efforts related to gender equality, to further the achievement of a gender-equal society.

7. Promote international cooperation on issues related to gender equality
· Cooperate with the international community in efforts that promote the global advancement of gender equality.