3. The Role of NGOs in supporting the Beijing Platform for Action

The Council for Gender Equality assumes the responsibility of investigating and deliberating basic and comprehensive measures and important subjects in relation to the creation of a gender-equal society according to the Prime Minister's and other related ministers' request for advice and to submit its opinions. It is stipulated by law that the aggregate number, either, by men members or women members shall not be under four tenths of the total number of council members. NGO members, intellectuals from the private sector or experts with academic experience are providing invaluable input to the Council.

As explained above, the Council for Gender Equality submitted a report to the Prime Minister on November l998 titled "The Proposal for a Basic Law Designed to Promote a Gender-Equal Society". Prior to this date, on June l998 the Council released an interim report titled "Points of Issue Regarding the Proposal for a Basic Law Designed to Promote a Gender-Equal Society", which was followed by one and a half month period during which opinions were solicited from a wide range of citizens and the private sector, and at meetings held in various locations around the country. Based on the over 3600 views that were submitted, the final report was compiled. Meetings were held in six spots around the country for exchanges of views between Council members and the public, attracting the participation of around 2000 people.

In June l997, the Prime Minister requested advice of the Council for Gender Equality on basic policies to ensure a proper response to the changing situation brought about by people's awareness and internationalization in regard to prostitution and other forms of violence against women which impede the achievement of a gender-equal society. On October l998, the Council's Committee on Violence Against Women,which had been formed to deliberate the issue, summarized their discussion into an interim report for public release. In conjunction with the presentation of the interim report, an appeal was made to people, groups and experts treating or interested in the issues of violence against women to provide information regarding the actual state of violence against women, and efforts to support such women. The Committee will use the information provided as a reference in pushing forward its deliberations further, for preparation a committee report.

In September l996, the Liaison Conference for the Promotion of Gender Equality was inaugurated with the objectives to promote information exchange and ideas and to liaise widely with people in various fields of society, in order to promote the creation of a gender-equal society on a nation-wide level. The Conference is composed of 13 eminent persons designated by the Chief Cabinet Secretary and 67 persons representing various organizations such as women's organizations, financial circles, educational circles and the media. The establishment of the Liaison Conference has provided system for NGOs to formally participate in the national machinery for the promotion of gender equality.

The Planning Committee of the Liaison Conference periodically holds hearing sessions to provide information and exchange views with NGOs. The hearing sessions were held prior to the formulation of the "Plan for Gender Equality 2000" and in preparation for the Fourth Periodic Report on the Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women to solicit opinions from NGOs. Hearing sessions are also held to inform participants of the results of various international conferences such as the Commission on the Status of Women, as well as of the major policies and measures of other ministries and agencies.

In December l998, a session was held to invite the opinions and suggestions to be included in the specific response to this questionnaire from NGOs. The Committee also solicited written opinions, and these comments and suggestions were referenced for the response.

In the same month, in accordance with the decision of the President of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Gender Equality, the "National Committee of Japan for Women 2000" was organized to facilitate information exchange and cooperation with non-governmental organizations in preparation for the special session of the UN General Assembly, Women 2000: gender equality, development, peace for the twenty-first century in June 2000. A sub-committee of experts established under the National Committee of Japan for Women 2000 will exchange information and views with a broad range of NGOs.