gender equality

In 2023, Japan ranked 125th out of 146 countries on gender equality—the lowest since the World Economic Forum began tracking it, per the University of Tokyo.

The IOC has moved to emphasize gender equality at the Games in recent cycles by adding more female athletes, medal events in women’s sports and mixed gender team events.

Mixed gender events, which have been gaining traction in recent Olympic cycles, were cited as examples of the IOC’s commitment to gender equality, placing women and men on the same playing field.

And even as diversity, equity and inclusion programs have drawn the ire of the Trump administration, gender equality remains a popular cause, giving companies an extra bang for their buck when they back women’s sports.

Civil rights, gender equality, Vietnam, student protest — so many divisive crises then are being repeated now, in our time of advancing darkness, with Ukraine and Gaza replacing Southeast Asia.