Part Two: Report by Article

Article 13

Article 13. (b)

1. Measures for Fatherless Families and Widows

Mothers of fatherless families, including unmarried mothers and widows are often in an unstable condition financially and mentally as they are financially responsible for their family and at the same time have to bring up their children. The Government therefore has been promoting various measures for such mothers to bring stability to their life and encourage them to become independent, based mainly on the Law for the Welfare of Mothers with Dependents and Widows (Law for the Welfare of Fatherless Families and Widows) and the Child Rearing Allowance Law in close cooperation with relevant policies. Specifically, the Government extends low-interest or interest-free loans to start a business, offers opportunities to consult experts, including lawyers, to such women having legal problems and difficulties in running a business and provides childrearing allowance.

Currently, in the midst of the increasing divorce rate, fundamental review is considered to be made on the measures intended for mothers of fatherless families including unmarried mothers and widows to bring stability to their life and enhance their independence. While enhancing measures for supporting childrearing, consideration is also being given to develop comprehensive measures such as strengthening of the consultation system and promoting measures to assist in taking jobs.