Online Desk:  Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko has said discrimination and violence against women, as well as economic disparities between men and women still widely exist across the world.

In a video message for International Women’s Day, she said, “Especially during conflicts and disasters, vulnerable people such as women and children are severely affected.”

The Japanese Minister said she visited Ukraine and Poland this January and witnessed the lives of women and children who were forced to evacuate.

“I am determined that we must bring about ‘reintegration’ for families, communities, and the entire nationals in Ukraine who have been separated,” she said.

The Japanese Minister said, “Women, Peace and Security (WPS), which I am promoting, is an initiative to build a diverse society and achieve sustainable peace through women’s participation in a leading role in peacebuilding and disaster reconstruction processes.”

She believes it is one of her missions to advance diplomacy with WPS perspectives.

“Let us work together to achieve a world without conflict, and a society where “no one is left behind,” said the Minister.

“It is my sincere pleasure to celebrate with you this memorable day for women all over the world,” she said.

In 2000, for the first time in its history, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted “Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Resolution 1325,” which clearly stated that international peace, conflict prevention and conflict resolution require the equal participation of women, protection from sexual violence in conflict, and gender equality.

To implement this and relevant resolutions, Japan has formulated and implemented three national action plans.