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On November 25, the general assembly of the Female Politicians Network Meeting was held at DPJ party headquarters. An action plan for 2009-2010 was decided, which included the following calls, “Let’s pool the strength of female politicians to realise a change of government in local assemblies!”, “Let’s realise gender equality within the organisation of the DPJ!”, and “Let’s aim for regional sovereignty and realise our policies to put people’s lives first!”
The action plan included proposals to greatly increase the numbers of female politicians, to convene symposiums, to investigate the possibility of the DPJ implementing a quota system for candidates running in national elections, measures to promote a better work-life balance and combat all kinds of violence, written opinions, questions, discussion of parliamentary reform, and a proposal for creating a joint forum.
Furthermore, the meeting’s facilitator, Yonago City assembly member Hiroe Ito submitted an appeal stating, “Our job is to clearly communicate the DPJ’s policies to the many people who feel anxious about the tremendous change taking place, even if they have expectations of the DPJ, and to create trust. We will carefully convey the DPJ’s message to those people who are not fully informed by the media and the Internet, and realise a mode of government that shifts “from concrete to people”. Furthermore, in order to create a mainstream movement toward regional sovereignty, and make that movement one that belongs to the people, we will aim for “a change of government in the regions”. Bearing the 2011 unified nationwide local elections in mind, we will increase the numbers of local assembly members and heads of local authorities who can work with us to realise the DPJ’s policies, and eliminate the distortions between central government and the regions as soon as possible.” This appeal was approved by a round of applause.
The appeal was then handed over to the Chair of the DPJ National Rallying and Canvassing Committee Toshio Ogawa, who said, “I acknowledge receipt of this appeal. We are the largest party in the House of Councillors, but we do not have a majority. It is by winning the House of Councillors election next year, and gaining a majority that we will be able to realise this appeal. Let’s work together to achieve this.”
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