Indigenous women facing educational disadvantages: The case of the Ainu in Japan

Abstract

This paper addresses the life and educational experiences of Ainu women, using the framework of postcolonial feminist theory. It explores the extent to which two factors—gender and ethnic minority status—affect young Ainu women as they attempt to enter mainstream society. The authors analyse life history interviews from three Ainu women aged 25. These women face hardships in continuing their education because of unsupportive school atmospheres and family financial difficulties. Ainu women also face discrimination because of gender and ethnicity throughout their lifetimes, especially in employment. The authors suggest anti-discrimination education, more comprehensive policy reforms for indigenous peoples, support for the voices of indigenous women, and continuous advocacy on Ainu issues. Moreover, companies should have monitoring mechanisms to follow up on the gender equality policy, along with regular training programmes on gender and ethnicity.