YAWATA; Yawata Mayor Shoko Kawata has returned to her official duties after four months of maternity leave, participating in a national fire prevention campaign in front of a station in Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture, on Monday morning.
Kawata, 36, held a press conference at the city office later that day, saying: “I would like to express my gratitude to all the city employees. They worked as a united team to keep city administration running.”
Maternity leave for governors and mayors is not stipulated by law, and Kawata is apparently the first mayor to take it. She was away from July 20, drawing on the Local Autonomy Law, which stipulates that the deputy mayor will act as a substitute in the event of an “accident”.
She gave birth to a daughter on Sept 15. Her salary remained unchanged, and one of the deputy mayors served as acting mayor during Kawata’s maternity leave.
Before her leave began, Kawata held detailed discussions with senior city officials regarding municipal tasks and disaster response. During her time away, she held online meetings with senior officials every Monday to be informed of the status of city administration and provide advice on important matters from home.
When a heavy rain warning was issued in the early hours of Aug 28, Kawata exchanged messages with city employees via the Line app to prepare for the emergency.
“I was able to demonstrate a work style that allows me to handle childbirth and childcare without leaving gaps in my work. A person’s career or benefits should not be automatically compromised [due to childbirth],” she said.
“I want to discuss the best approach with other local government leaders and ministries so that this system becomes one that future generations can easily utilise.”
Kawata’s husband, who is an elementary school teacher, will take paternity leave next. Kawata will continue her duties, working remotely if needed. - Japan News/ANN
