Support for Women by Women

In response to the prolonged stress that the pandemic has placed on women, a group of lawyers, union organizers and other professionals such as nurses and psychiatric counselors, all themselves women,  offered a free consultation session in Tokyo on July 10th and 11th 2021.  The event was organized by Daini Tokyo Bar Association and a committee offering consultations for women, by women. This was the second consultation session offered by the group, with the first occurring in March 2021.  

Of the 123 women who came to the consultation session, the majority sought advice concerning work-related issues such as reduced work shifts or contract termination.  Aside from legal consultation, women sought support on how to deal with family-related issues such as domestic violence and child rearing.  Others came to ask for follow-up advice after having attended the first consultation.  Many said that they felt empowered and motivated at the first session after finally feeling as though others were fully hearing their stories.  

It was not just professionals that offered their services for the event.  Many women in different industries donated items such as food and fresh produce as well as personal hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and cosmetics were distributed to women for free at the event.