There is an old saying in Japan that the ideal woman should, “Be a good wife and smart mother”. That is exactly what women were expected to be back then and they still are, simply because it is part of the Japanese culture, while the men are expected to devote their lives to the enterprises. It was said that the only way for working women to be successful in a male dominated society was to be nimble and fit into society’s expectations of a working woman which was largely subservient. In Japan, many employers would usually ask women employees to choose one of two career paths, devote their lives just like a man would or “mother” track – an option with less responsibility and potential for advancement.
Keiko felt that she was able to handle the demands of both simultaneously.
As part of its efforts to promote gender equality, the Japanese Government has implemented new action plans to encourage more women to join or re-join the workforce. The new initiative states that all companies and government agencies with more than 300 employees are now required to come up with an “action plan” to increase women’s participation in the workplace.
Keiko’s journey began when she joined Lendlease in 2000 after having worked with several architect firms. At the time, Lendlease had just started its Project Management business in Japan.
Despite her tight work schedule, she did not forget what it meant to be a good wife, mother and daughter, as ingrained in the Japanese culture. In the evenings, she made it a point to call home to ensure that her children came home from school safely and had completed their homework before heading out for client meetings. When she arrived home, she still found time to prepare lunch boxes for her children to take to school the next day before retiring for the night.
When her children reached the ages of 13 and 10 years old, and were able to take care of themselves, she turned her attention to caring for her aging parents who lived nearby. She would visit her parents regularly to bathe them and help to prepare dinner before heading home. Her ability to handle both these roles so naturally, goes to show that women are capable of juggling the demands of a career and private life at the same time.
Keiko felt that she was able to handle the demands of both simultaneously.
As part of its efforts to promote gender equality, the Japanese Government has implemented new action plans to encourage more women to join or re-join the workforce. The new initiative states that all companies and government agencies with more than 300 employees are now required to come up with an “action plan” to increase women’s participation in the workplace.
Keiko’s journey began when she joined Lendlease in 2000 after having worked with several architect firms. At the time, Lendlease had just started its Project Management business in Japan.
Despite her tight work schedule, she did not forget what it meant to be a good wife, mother and daughter, as ingrained in the Japanese culture. In the evenings, she made it a point to call home to ensure that her children came home from school safely and had completed their homework before heading out for client meetings. When she arrived home, she still found time to prepare lunch boxes for her children to take to school the next day before retiring for the night.
When her children reached the ages of 13 and 10 years old, and were able to take care of themselves, she turned her attention to caring for her aging parents who lived nearby. She would visit her parents regularly to bathe them and help to prepare dinner before heading home. Her ability to handle both these roles so naturally, goes to show that women are capable of juggling the demands of a career and private life at the same time.
