女性として日本で働くということ

私の知り合いで、カナダで知り合った日本人の看護師の方（女性）が、日本に帰って就活をした時のお話。

I started to look for a job.

I found an optimal hospital close to my home and inquired immediately. I got a phone call from HR on the same day.

He asked about my experience, skills and flexibility (as I had expected). This process is quite normal until he asked me whether or not I'm single. He also asked me if I have children. I felt that this question is not necessary and rude, but I had no choice but to answer.

I answered that I am single and had no children. Then, he said that he is going to "check if I can have a job interview."

I noticed that I was screened on the phone.

Apparently, in Japan, it's common for women to be asked about marriage and about their children in a job interview. If single, companies will also ask if there is a plan to get married soon. It seems like companies don't want to hire those women because they will be pregnant.

If women have children, companies will ask if there is anyone who can support their children when they get sick. (Companies don't want women to work leave early.)

These questions mean that Japanese companies look for women who are single, don't have plans to get married or have children any time soon. But if you are single and over 40, companies would think that there is something wrong with you!!

It describes how Japanese companies see female workers in society. It seems that married female workers are a burden and a nuisance in the workplace.

From the employer's point, I can understand why they ask. But I was upset because I was judged about whether or not I'm single and whether or not I have children, - neither of which have anything to do with my experience and skills.

Those questions are asked to women in general. I was asked those questions because I am a woman. This is not fair.

すごーく簡単にいうと、シングルかどうか、子供がいるかどうかという質問を就活中に聞かれたという話。

こういった男女差別につながる質問は男女雇用機会均等法で禁止されているはず。でもこの事実を証明するのって難しい。

アメリカ人の友達の意見

In America it is illegal to discriminate because of your sex, but it can be difficult to prove that that is actually happening. But then again, people judge people all the time without them knowing, so...

There are actually laws against that kind of discrimination (proving it is another matter though. So it's better to not answer those questions).

I hate to say it, but this is part of the reason I don’t want to live or work in Japan. I don’t like this kind of discrimination so I think Japan is fun to visit, but it’s not good to live there.

It happens, more than what is discussed in the open. Culture-wise, Japan is very different than America. So, in that regard, Japanese employers might be able to get away with much more in Japan. You have to weigh the benefits and decide for yourself whether you want to "overlook" their missteps or simply "play the game". You know what they want, just tell them what they want to hear. Life happens, you might not know that you'll meet the love of your life soon and marry. Your situation could change dramatically from one day to the next. No, it's not fair. If you decide to take the job, do your best while in it and continue to look out for better opportunities where your skills and knowledge will be appreciated without limitations on your life.

USA went through this for a while but in the 80s there were many law reforms to stop this from happening. Employers are no longer allowed to ask these questions or anything about age. It’s illegal.

I completely agree with you it is unfair. We should be gaged by our experience and abilities instead of our desire to have a family.

ベルギー

In Belgium they try to screen the same, for same reason, only its not allowed to ask by law, so if they do that to my wife, I’ll sue their company. Many don’t know the law, so they answer it.

Private life = not working life

マレーシア

In here, they don’t ask. And women are entitled to long maternity leave while the men are entitled to paternity leave if either gender starts a family and have a newborn

南アフリカ