Nearly 60 female lawmakers in Japan, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to accommodate their increased numbers. The petition highlights a significant disparity: only one lavatory, containing two cubicles, is available for the 73 women members of the lower house near the Diet's main plenary session hall in central Tokyo.

The lack of adequate facilities reflects the ongoing challenges women face in Japanese politics, which remains largely male-dominated despite recent progress. The number of women in parliament increased in the last election, and Takaichi became the first female prime minister in October. However, the infrastructure has not kept pace with this increased representation.

"Before plenary sessions start, truly so many women lawmakers have to form long queues in front of the restroom," the petition stated, underscoring the daily inconvenience and potential disruption caused by the limited facilities.

Sanae Takaichi had previously expressed a desire to achieve Nordic levels of gender balance in politics before becoming prime minister, but her cabinet appointments included only two other women. This situation underscores the broader struggle for gender equality in Japan, where women continue to face systemic barriers in various sectors.

The petition for more toilets serves as a microcosm of the larger issues affecting women globally, including the need for inclusive infrastructure and equitable representation in positions of power. The current situation in the Japanese parliament highlights the importance of addressing practical needs to support women's participation and success in political life. The petition is currently under review by parliamentary authorities, and the next steps remain to be seen.