Minister to listen to female media workers on sexual harassment

April 20, 2018

Tokyo- Seiko Noda, minister for women's empowerment, said Friday she will hold a meeting with women working in the media to hear what they have to say about sexual harassment in the workplace.

Noda unveiled the plan at a press conference following recent allegations of sexual harassment of female reporters by Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda. He tendered his resignation on Wednesday, while denying the allegations.

"I'll listen to women working in media organizations such as newspaper publishers and broadcasters to get their frank opinions and take them into account when working on policies," she said, adding that she has instructed relevant officials to arrange such a meeting.

Noda, also minister for gender equality, said that she has already heard various opinions from women in the media.

According to the minister, one complained that female reporters are not sufficiently protected from sexual harassment by their news sources.

Another says the media industry does not offer a working environment friendly to women, citing traditional news-gathering strategies including early-morning and late-night visits to key figures for information, Noda stated.

The minister said she wants to create a forum as soon as possible to allow women to give their opinions freely. Details of the meeting will be considered, she added. Jiji Press