Letter from Japan
Dear Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to you for your message of condolences and encouragement extended to us regarding the disaster we have suffered.
We, the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office, are actively requesting the related authorities to provide support considering the needs of women and people with responsibility of child rearing, as well as to prevent sexual crimes in the time of disaster. In addition, we are trying to grasp the needs of women through dispatching a female official of the Gender Equality Bureau to the severely afflicted disaster area as a member of the on-site Headquarters for Emergency Disaster.
Your heart-warming encouragement to us in the time of disaster reminds me of the proverb “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
We will overcome this severe crisis caused by the massive earthquake with sincere appreciation of your support. We would also like to take this opportunity to further strengthen international cooperation to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in every country.
Sincerely yours,
Atsuko Okajima
Director General
Gender Equality Bureau
Cabinet Office
Government of Japan
