ニュース 2010/05/06 Female politicians hold Network Meeting at party headquarters On May 6, the general assembly of the Network Meeting for DPJ female politicians was held at party headquarters. DPJ Diet Affairs Chair Kenji Yamaoka addressed the assembly, encouraging the efforts of participants by saying, “The DPJ is a party that emphasizes women. It is a pity that this fact is not widely known, but I would like you all to continue to exercise your power and if we become a party in which women can take the lead, we can develop still further.” He referred to achievements of the DPJ government reflecting the policy of “Putting People’s Lives First”, such as the child allowance and making high school tuition free, and called on the participants to continue to work to create a party that protects the livelihoods of citizens. In the general assembly, the representative for Chugoku Bloc, Shimane Prefectural Assembly member Keiko Shiraishi, submitted the Action Plan for 2010-2011 to the meeting. The Action Plan consisted of the following: “Unite the strength of female politicians to realize a change of government at the local level!”, “Realise gender equality within the organizational structure of the DPJ!” and “Aim to realize decentralization and the policy of ‘Putting People’s Lives First’!” The Action Plan was approved with a unanimous round of applause. In response to the Action Plan, Miyagi Prefectural Assembly member Miyuki Yusa suggested concrete measures such as support for female candidates running in the House of Councillors election, and a study trip to investigate the quota system implemented by the Korean government. These proposals were also approved, and it was decided that discussions would be held centred on the representatives of each Bloc, and the measures realized. Member of the Nagasaki Prefectural Assembly Tomoko Yamada submitted the following appeal to the assembly: “The historical change of government last year has been a catalyst for us to realize once more the mission that we have been entrusted with. We will focus the power of female politicians, our urgent task being to win this summer’s House of Councillors election and further enhancing the shift toward reform, as well as to enhance local politics toward the nationwide local elections due to be held in 2011. We will continue to engage in finding the solutions for a whole variety of issues, and aim for a society in which women’s power can be exercised to the full.” This appeal was approved by a round of applause. The appeal was handed over to Diet Affairs Chair Yamaoka.