Japan eyes female workforce boost, but barriers remain

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's appointment of a record number of women to his Cabinet highlights efforts to power the economy by boosting the female workforce - but he faces myriad challenges turning that vision into reality.

On Wednesday, Mr Abe gave key jobs - including the justice ministry and oversight of the embattled nuclear power sector - to women, who now make up more than a quarter of the 18-strong Cabinet.

"Creating a society where women can shine is a big challenge that the Abe Cabinet is taking on," said the Premier, who swept to power in late 2012 on a ticket to kick-start the lumbering economy.

The move followed growing calls for Japan to make better use of its highly-educated but underemployed women, as a rapidly ageing population strains the public purse.
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