Since January 2002, JOICFP has been conducting special advocacy meetings for Japanese female parliamentarians on reproductive health and rights (RH/R). During this period, there have been several elections and parliamentarians have been replaced, increasing the need for continual advocacy.

There is a rising conservative tide pressuring sexuality education in Japan, and some male parliamentarians are being swayed to adopting a more reactionary stance. As a result, JOICFP has decided to now include male parliamentarians in its special advocacy sessions in its efforts to better inform all parliamentarians about the need for active support toward, for example, the Cairo ICPD Program of Action, and the MDGs.

JOICFP considers there to be a possibility of funding for organizations such as IPPF and UNFPA coming under threat if a more conservative administration comes into power in Japan.

On 27th April, 25 parliamentarians and secretaries, including six male parliamentarians, attended the JOICFP RH/R meeting, held at the House of Representatives.

Yuriko Ashino, Senior Adviser (Advocacy/International Affairs), JFPA, told the parliamentarians about what RH/R actually are, the worldwide situation of RH/R, focusing on Japan, and explained the importance of the Cairo ICPD.

She said that as a result of the Cairo conference, new laws and regulations supporting women had been enacted around the world, including in Japan. However, progress was in danger of being reversed as conservatives tried to turn back the clock.

A lively question and answer session followed, and the parliamentarians indicated that they would like Ashino to return for further deeper discussion on the issues.