Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 7 Section 5 1

Japan is experiencing structural economic change and dramatic shifts in the social environment, including the aging of society. These changes have created a strong demand, not only from women but from society in general, for the realization of women's potential. Other changes, including the trend toward higher educational qualifications and diversified value systems, are leading women to make choices about their own lives and to seek a purpose in life in various facets of society.

The government has made the creation of a gender-equal society a major priority. In the social environment envisaged by the government, men and women will participate together positively and actively in all facets of society. This vision of society is cited in the report of the Lifelong Learning Council as one of the reasons for the growing need for lifelong learning and as a specific example of contemporary issues.

The aim of women's education is thus the realization of a lifelong learning society and a gender-equal society. The provision and expansion of learning opportunities to meet the increasingly diverse and sophisticated learning needs of women, the promotion of women's social participation, and the expansion of educational and learning activities that help raise awareness of gender equality have become important priorities in this context.