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| "DAWN" Newsletter of The DAWN CENTER |
| MS. FUSAE OHTA, GOVERNOR OF OSAKA PREFECTURE |
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In February 2000, Ms. Fusae Ohta was inaugurated as Governor
of Osaka Prefecture. The election of a female governor, as there are very few
local heads and assembly members in Japan, holds great significance for promoting
women's participation in politics. As the first women governor among the nation's
47 prefectures, she attracts great attention from inside and outside of the country.
Soon after her inauguration, in her administrative policy speech to the Osaka
Prefectural assembly session, Governor Ohta gave three fundamental goals toward
the new century. The first is constructing "Active City, Osaka." She
plans to rehabilitate prefectural finances by tapping new industrial fields which
will encourage higher standards of living, hasten the structural reform of Osaka
industries, and restore the prefecture's competitive power in the international
market. The second goal is constructing "Kind City, Osaka." In order
to build a city in which all residents, including the elderly and handicapped
people, can live in safety and comfort throughout their lives, Osaka is promoting
a plan emphasizing the construction of a resource-recycling society and the concept
of universal design from the perspective of being kind to the environment and
to people. The third goal is constructing "International City, Osaka."
By strengthening the global network such as with Kansai International Airport,
and forming connections which open Osaka up to the world, the prefecture hopes
to contribute to the international community. Governor Ohta is making the utmost
efforts toward the realization of these fundamental goals.
As economic globalization proceeds, in order for the regional economy to regain
vitality and show sturdiness in the international marketplace, it is important
for the community to tackle industrial policies including support to entrepreneurs.
With this aim, Governor Ohta presented the "Osaka Industry Rehabilitation
Program" in September, 2000, which includes quick measures for regeneration
of Osaka's economy. Now she is implementing this program.
As for the prefectural policies relating to women, Osaka is promoting various
measures based on the prefecture's plan of action, aiming to realize a society
in which men and women can fully exercise their abilities and individuality, regardless
of gender. The prefectural government is also preparing a new action plan which
will begin in fiscal year 2001. It also promotes legislation for the realization
of a gender-equal society.
Nowadays, violence against women has been seen as a serious problem both in and
out of the country. Therefore, the Osaka Prefectural Government has just established
the "Council on Prevention of Violence against Women" to help related
institutions coordinate with each other and effectively practice comprehensive
policies, ranging from prevention of violence to the care for the victims.
Amid her busy schedule, Governor Ohta positively joins cultural activities such
as conducting the Century Orchestra Osaka, which shows her willingness to undertake
challenges. |
Copyright (C) 2007 DawnCenter. All Rights Reserved.
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