4. Strengthening the organization for creating a gender-equal society

In recognition that the creation of a gender-equal society is an urgent issue to be dealt with in cooperation with the government that provides the key to resolving challenges posed by rapid social and economic changes, and for maintaining a vibrant and prosperous society in the future, the Headquarters for the Promotion of Gender Equality (with the Prime Minister serving as president, the Chief Cabinet Secretary and the Minister for Gender Equality as vice president and all cabinet ministers as its members) was established in l994 and it comprehensively implements measures based on the Plan for Gender Equality 2000.

The plan stipulates that a new council be established to replace the ongoing council for gender equality which ends in March l997. In accordance with this plan, in March l997, the Establishment Law of the Council for Gender Equality was unanimously adopted by the National Diet, and a new council was established.

Furthermore, in accordance with administrative reform measures to be implemented from January 1, 2001, as stipulated by the Basic Law on Administrative Reform of the Central Government ( passed in June l998), the Prime Minister's Office,to be newly organized, headed by the Prime Minister will take charge of formulating plans and comprehensively coordinating efforts for realizing a gender-equal society. A Conference for Gender Equality which succeeds the former Council for Gender Equality will be established within the Prime Minister's Office. Also, a Bureau for Gender Equality (provisional name) will be established within the Prime Minister's Office.