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INTRODUCTION

The Joint United States-Japan Study on the Role and Status of Women Workers was initiated under an agreement reached between the United States and Japan at the Ninth Joint United States-Japan Committee on Trade and Economic Affairs held in July 1973. On the basis of this agreement, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Japanese Ministry of Labor launched this study, the purpose of which was to review the situation of women workers in the two countries, to accelerate efforts necessary for the improvement of their status, to contribute to the solution of the problems of women workers, and to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and Japan.

The Governments of the two countries compiled this report on the basis of an exchange of information and views, including statistical and other data, and the holding of meetings of the joint working group. This report is composed of three major parts: "Women Workers in the United States," "Women Workers in Japan," and "Looking to the Future." Basic statistical data, and an explanation of the sources from which they were compiled; legislative materials; and glossaries are included in the appendixes. The chapters dealing with women workers in the United States and in Japan, which discuss the general situation of women workers, measures to benefit these workers, and their problems, have been written by the respective governments. The contents of the two papers were examined and approved by both sides. The chapter "Looking to the Future" presents parallel statements by the two countries on eight items mutually agreed upon as areas of common concern.

In developing this study, we have found that it is often misleading to attempt a direct comparison of the two countries and their situation related to women workers, because the countries differ substantially with respect to historical background and social and economic conditions. Differences in the economic and statistical data available also preclude a meaningful comparison of certain aspects of the status of women workers. Nevertheless, we share many of the same problems and we are influenced by many of the same trends in contemporary life. For these reasons we think it very useful to exchange information about the problems and countermeasures tackled within these two countries of different cultural climates. They are of particular importance to our joint efforts to improve and strengthen measures to assure women equal opportunity in the economic, legal, and social activity of their respective nations.

We hope that the exposition and analysis for each country of the current status of women workers, their special problems, and the mechanisms and instruments which have been developed to assist them will be especially helpful in suggesting areas and methods of effectuating improvement in the status of women. Decisionmakers who may find the study useful for such purposes include both governmental and nongovernmental labor policy planners, educators, employers, trade unions, and women's organizations. By a comprehensive look at the present status of women, it is our design to identify those areas that will require special attention in the future in order to promote equality for women workers by developing employment policies, practices, and services commensurate with their needs.

Finally, 1975 was designated as International Women's Year, aiming at the promotion of equality between men and women, full integration of women in economic, social, and cultural development, and increased contribution of women to international friendship and cooperation. We hope that the results of this study will promote the objectives and goals of International Women's Year so that significant progress can be achieved during the 1975 to 1985 decade.

Armen R

Magnú

CARMEN R. MAYMI,

Director, Women's Bureau

Mayumi Mariyane

MAYUMI MORIYAMA,

Director-General, Women's and Minors'

Bureau

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