Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, joined approximately 60 female lawmakers in petitioning for an increase in the number of women's restrooms in the Japanese parliament building. The request, reported by BBC World, comes after a record 73 women were elected to the 465-seat Lower House in October 2024, exceeding the previous high of 54 in 2009.
The increased representation of women in parliament has led to concerns about adequate restroom access for female members, staff, and visitors. According to BBC World, some female Members of Parliament (MPs) have reported experiencing long queues and difficulty accessing restrooms, particularly before parliamentary sessions.
Yasuko Komiyama, an opposition lawmaker, highlighted the issue, stating there were often "long queues in front of the restroom... before plenary sessions start," BBC World reported. She also quoted another MP who said she had "given up" going to the toilet before a session began, according to BBC World. The petition aims to address these concerns and ensure equitable facilities for all women working in and visiting the parliament building.
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