Japan Press Weekly

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2024 August 7 - 13 [PEACE]

JCP Chair Tamura discusses with young activists theme of gender and nuclear weapons

Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko on August 5 in Hiroshima City took part in a forum focusing on the issue of gender equality and nuclear weapons.

This event was hosted by youth organizations, including a group called “Genuine” which works to abolish nuclear weapons from a gender perspective. Along with JCP Tamura, female Dietmembers of other opposition parties were present at the event.

“Genuine” head Tokuda Yuki pointed out that the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) states that the catastrophic impacts of nuclear weapons have a disproportionate impact on women and girls. She went on to point out that treaties and resolutions dealing with nuclear weapons have been adopted mainly through male-dominated discussions. She proposed that Diet deliberations which connect gender equality with nuclear arms be conducted.

Tamura in reply expressed her intent to bring up the proposed theme in the Diet. Pointing out, “Nuclear deterrence is about holding an enemy in check with the fear of using nuclear weapons,” Tamura said, “Liberation from rule by fear and all forms of violence including war is the major pillar in the UN Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as well as in efforts to realize gender equality. In this regard, it is necessary to apply a gender equality perspective in discussions on nuclear deterrence.”

Co-head of a group of young Hiroshima voters who wish to learn about nuclear policy, Tanaka Miho, said that the TPNW “has a significant presence” in efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and address gender issues. She expressed her hope that the theme of gender equality and nuclear weapons will become an agenda for the 3rd meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the TPNW, scheduled for next March.