Ivanka Trump Secures $50 Million For Women’s Empowerment In Japan

During a power-packed trip to Japan, Ivanka Trump secured a $50 million commitment from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The money will be used for a women’s entrepreneurship fund.

At an event in Japan, Ivanka spoke about boosting women’s roles in the economy. However, Ivanka was mostly met with empty seats.

All too often, our workplace culture fails to treat women with appropriate respect, she said. "This takes many forms, including harassment, which can never be tolerated."

"Despite increase in the percentage of women at workplaces, corporate expectations have remained 'stagnant' and still operate on 'a single-honour mindset' with expectations for mothers to stay home to provide full-time care," Ivanka said.

Trump's daughter said it is not only a woman’s issue, but a family issue.

"When women work, it creates a unique multiplier effect. Women are more likely than men to hire other women, to give them access to capital, mentorship and networks."

Ivanka spoke about how corporate culture must change. She lauded Abe's policy of expanding family leave.

Ivanka Trump says too many women in U.S. are forced to leave workforce after giving birth https://t.co/NGW6EET0hg pic.twitter.com/qf2znCZiqJ

— Bloomberg (@business) November 3, 2017

The Global Gender Gap Report ranks Japan 114th in making progress towards gender equality. The ranking, released by the World Economic Forum, evaluated 144 countries.

Though 45 per cent of the workforce in Japan comprises women, over half of that number work in part-time and low-paying jobs.

Double Standards?

Ivanka's discussion on harassment has received a lot of flak because she didn’t once mention her father’s various scandals with women.

Women have accused President Trump of harassing them, groping them and walking unannounced into changing rooms at beauty pageants. During his presidential campaign, a video in which he said "When you’re a star, they let you do it,” and “Grab them by the p***y. You can do anything," was leaked. The video sparked outrage worldwide.

Also Read: Ivanka Trump Initiates Talks on Women Entrepreneurs Fund With The World Bank