Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 7 Section 5 3

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture provides support for volunteer activities, international exchange activities, and learning and practical activities undertaken by women's organizations and other groups to promote social participation in ways that enable women to utilize their abilities and learning.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture is implementing the Special Support Program for Women's Social Activities, which subsidizes model projects for various learning and practical activities undertaken by women's organizations and other groups to utilize women's abilities. In fiscal 1993 the Ministry commissioned 25 projects with such themes as the reform of attitudes concerning gender equality, the promotion of learning for women, community development, environmental conservation, and consumer education. In addition, the Ministry encourages municipal programs to promote women's volunteer activities and regional international exchange activities.

Women's organizations are engaged in activities designed to enhance the status of women and resolve various community problems. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and boards of education provide guidance, advice, financial support, and other forms of assistance at the request of women's organizations, respecting their autonomy. By the end of fiscal 1991 assistance by boards of education had been provided to approximately 33,000 women's organizations. These organizations have a combined membership of about 6.63 million, which is equivalent to 14.5% of female voters. The Ministry also contributes to the development of women's organizations by providing subsidies for research and survey projects.