Japan aims to boost women troops as it struggles to enlist

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Tokyo: Japan’s Ministry of Defense has announced an ambitious new target to increase the proportion of women in the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to 13% by March 2036. The initiative, revealed on Wednesday, comes as the military struggles with a persistent recruitment shortfall amidst a shrinking national population and a highly competitive labour market.

Currently, women make up approximately 9% of Japan's 250,000-strong force. The ministry’s strategic shift is driven by a need to broaden the recruitment pool, as the SDF currently faces a 10% manpower deficit. 

To attract more female recruits, the government has pledged to significantly improve ‘work-life balance’ and upgrade facilities across bases and naval vessels, including the construction of dedicated quarters, bathrooms, and private spaces for women.

The recruitment drive also follows a series of high-profile sexual harassment scandals that have tarnished the SDF's reputation. Defense officials emphasised that fostering a safer, more inclusive environment is essential to the force's modernisation. 

Beyond filling numbers, the ministry stated that increasing female personnel will bring ‘diverse perspectives’ to missions, particularly in areas such as disaster relief and public-facing operations. This policy alignment brings Japan closer to the standards of NATO allies, where women average around 12% of active military personnel.