On International Women's Day 2026. | Kana Mitarashi

What Can We Do Now?

As International Women's Day approaches, we see the terms "women's empowerment" and "women's active participation" more frequently. However, working in the field, I find it impossible to ignore the gap between these words and reality.

People who come for counseling rarely say, "I was discriminated against." Instead, they are more likely to say, "It's because I'm weak" or "It's my fault for not being good enough." Yet, when we carefully trace the background of their stories, something becomes clear: the excessive consideration demanded of them, the responsibilities they are forced to shoulder, and the feelings of discomfort that are difficult to articulate. These are not just individual personality traits; they are also the effects of gender roles that have been quietly imprinted upon us by society.

Feminism is, by nature, a perspective for re-examining these "seemingly personal" hardships as social issues. Rather than overcoming the suffering we feel through individual effort or endurance, we place our focus on society to ask, "Why did it have to be this way?" Just by having this viewpoint, the meaning of the same event can be reinterpreted.

For instance, consider trying too hard, being unable to rely on others, or prioritizing the needs of those around you over your own feelings. If we dismiss these as "personality," that's the end of it, but we can choose to pause and wonder if that's truly the case. What has been repeated in this person's life? What expectations have they been forced to carry? When we look there, a new perspective emerges: "Perhaps this is not just an individual problem."

Internationally, this perspective is shared within trauma-informed care. The question, "What happened to you?" is an attitude that seeks to understand the background rather than blame the person. This approach should spread further in Japan as well. This is because, while much of our suffering is locked away inside ourselves, the cause does not necessarily lie within us.

So, what can we do?

One thing is not to ignore the sense of discomfort within ourselves. Do not let those "something feels off" moments simply drift away. You don't need to make grand declarations; just pause for a moment and ask, "Is this truly 'normal'?" That small question becomes the starting point for thought.

Another is to "question how we work hard." Today's society has a tendency to demand excessive effort and adaptation. But does continuing to meet those demands really protect us? When you realize you are pushing yourself too hard, create the space to think, "Perhaps there is another way." When that choice becomes possible, it creates an opportunity to let go of structural roles.

And, do not treat care lightly. Care is often put on the back burner, but it is fundamentally a foundation for living. More people are talking about the need for counseling, but in reality, few have actually received it. Even if it is not through a professional, speaking to someone, being understood, and becoming aware of one's own state—these are not extraordinary things; they are necessary processes.

I believe feminism is the very practice of "re-questioning what has been imposed upon us as normal." That question can be quiet, and it can be small. Yet, continuing to hold onto it will, in the end, change the shape of society. Even if it doesn't translate into immediate action, the transformation of people's consciousness alone can bring about social change. As mental health professionals, we believe in what is called the "collective unconscious," and that is precisely why we are convinced this can be applied to structural inequality.

Do not let International Women's Day end with just polished words. Keep the discomfort or hesitation you felt on that day within yourself. Even that alone might be a meaningful step forward.