This year's list includes many prominent figures in the arts, innovators, and young leaders. Among those honored by TIME magazine is Shoko Kawata, Mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto Prefecture ( Japan ). In 2023, Kawata became the youngest female mayor in Japanese history at the age of 33 when she was elected Mayor of Yawata City.
TIME magazine reported that once again, Ms. Kawata made history earlier this year with a seemingly ordinary decision: taking maternity leave. The magazine pointed out that while Japan has a maternity leave system for workers, elected mayors are not covered by that labor protection, so there is no precedent, and Ms. Kawata has set a precedent for herself.
The magazine reported that she handed over the reins of power to the Deputy Mayor for 16 weeks, while continuing to attend meetings remotely and participate in key decisions.
TIME added that Kawata's decision faced considerable opposition, highlighting the pressure that working women in Japan still face.
The city of Yawata announced that Mayor Kawata gave birth to her first child, a daughter, on September 15th. The city stated that Ms. Kawata is the first mayor in Japan to give birth while in office.
Source: https://anninhthudo.vn/tap-chi-time-vinh-danh-nu-thi-truong-tre-nhat-trong-lich-su-nhat-ban-post670709.antd
