Shigeri Yamataka facts for kids

Shigeri Yamataka (山高しげり, Yamataka Shigeri, 1899 – 1977) was an important Japanese woman who fought for women's rights. She was a feminist, which means she believed women should have the same rights and opportunities as men. She started an organization called the League for the Defense of Women's Rights. Later, in 1952, she helped create Chifuren. This became one of Japan's biggest women's groups, with over 6 million members. Shigeri Yamataka was also its president.

Shigeri Yamataka's Life and Work

Shigeri Yamataka was born in Mie Prefecture, Japan. She started her career as a journalist. She wrote for newspapers like Kokumin Shinbun and Shufu no Tomo.

In 1924, she teamed up with Fusae Ichikawa. Together, they started the Women's Suffrage Union in Japan. Their goal was to get women the right to vote. However, in 1924, the government passed a law that only allowed men to vote. Even so, their group kept working for women's voting rights for many years.

Fighting for Rights After World War II

After World War II ended, Shigeri Yamataka continued her important work. She helped war widows get pensions. She also worked hard to protect children's rights.

On August 25, 1945, she helped create the Women's Committee on Postwar Policy. Other founders included Fusae Ichikawa, Tsuneko Akamatsu, and Natsu Kawasaki. Their first meeting was on September 11, 1945. More than 70 women attended this meeting.

Goals for a Better Japan

This committee had many important goals. They wanted to welcome soldiers returning from the war. They also aimed to improve food production in Japan. Increasing household savings was another key goal.

A major aim was to get women the right to vote if they were over 20. They also wanted women over 25 to be able to run for public office. The committee worked to improve local and national governments. They also pushed for women to be able to work in government jobs.

Becoming a Political Leader

In 1945, women in Japan finally gained the right to vote. Shigeri Yamataka then decided to run for public office. She was elected twice to the House of Councillors. This is the upper house of Japan's government, called the Diet of Japan. She served from 1962 to 1971.

Leading a Big Women's Organization

In 1952, Shigeri Yamataka helped start a large group called the National Federation of Regional Women's Organizations. This group is better known as Chifuren. She eventually became its President. She stayed in this important role until she passed away in 1977. Chifuren also worked to protect consumers. They helped families manage their money better.