Japan to Offer Special Admissions for Women in Science and Engineering
In Japan, universities have begun allocating special admission quotas for female students in science and engineering to address gender imbalances in these fields. According to the Ministry of Education, 30 universities adopted female quotas for the spring term this year. This number was only 14 last year. Tokyo Science Institute and Shimane University are among the pioneers of this initiative. The system, which started at Tokyo Institute of Technology and expanded to 149 female slots, aims to send a strong message against societal biases. At Shimane University, buildings specifically designed for women, spacious restrooms, and colorful furniture have been created to attract female students. Faculty deans noted that female students display a more active and leadership-oriented attitude in class. However, some criticize the new system for allegedly discriminating against male students. According to a 2024 survey in Japan, while support among high school students for female quotas dropped to 56 percent, it is believed that an increase in women in science benefits diversity and innovation. Experts emphasize that the initiative should not only focus on increasing numbers but also support women's careers after education.
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