Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, is expected to become the first mayor in the country's history to go on maternity leave while in office. CNN reported this.
According to the report, the 35-year-old mayor will give birth to her first child in September. She plans to take 6 weeks of leave before giving birth and 8 weeks after. During this period, her deputy mayor will carry out her duties.
Kawata's decision has sparked significant debate in Japan. The country's legislation does not have a specific legal mechanism regulating maternity or parental leave for elected officials.
The mayor stated that she wants to show that women in leadership positions can maintain a balance between family and work. In her view, this may encourage other women to aspire to higher positions.
