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Should Women’s Autonomy Be Compromised to Solve Japan’s Declining Birth Rate? No university education after 18, no marriages after 25, and no uteruses after 30. Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the Conservative Party of Japan, suggested these policies as a response to Japan’s declining birth rate. After receiving backlash, he apologized and said that it was meant as a “science-fiction storyline” (Sharma). This appears similar to Badenoch, who after her comments on maternity pay led to backlash, said that her comments were misrepresented. Hyakuta’s comments are much more extreme than Badenoch’s, but similarly he failed to realize the fallacy in his apology. While he may say that he does not advocate for such measures, believing that policies that go that far are necessary for change means that Hyakuta sees similar policies as needed.   Sparking a Debate While Hyakuta allegedly wanted to start a debate, I do not think that politicians in positions of power who have the ability to make laws have the luxury to suggest such policies without the public believing that this represents their views. While this may not be the case if the context was clear, the backlash that ensued shows that it was not. Further, while this may start a debate on how to solve the declining birth rate, starting a debate on restricting women’s autonomy by using forced hysterectomies suggests that that the policy is one that can be defended. I think this is especially problematic in a country that places 120 out of 153 countries in gender equality (Ipsos). When women are already not being treated as equal to men, presenting the idea that their rights to marriage, to reproduction, and to education can be stripped away in the name of national concerns is problematic. Hyakuta is a lawmaker, a Party leader, and has a large audience and so these “hypothetical debates” could lead to worsening inequality.   Restricting Autonomy The policies that Hyakuta suggested are those that would strip women’s rights and limit their autonomy. It would be ridiculous to suggest that autonomy is the be-all and end-all right. Western countries are the ones that have recently been placing importance on autonomy and respecting autonomy, but even they limit it. People tend to have their right to autonomy as long as it does not harm another person, if it does not interfere with national security, etc. Limitations on autonomy are normal because the law cannot place one value above everything else. Legal systems have numerous rules and values that may conflict with each other, and so a balancing exercise ensues where each is weighed against each other in specific contexts. For instance, it is important for most countries to have a military and in order to have people in the army, countries globally have mandatory service. This includes countries like Greece, Thailand, Sweden, Iran, etc. In these situations, autonomy is limited for the good of the country. The importance of autonomy may potentially be more limited in collectivist cultures which prioritizes the good of the community over the individual, but autonomy will always have limitations regardless of the country due to the importance of other values or concerns.   National Concerns over Decreasing Birth Rate What is Causing It These policies were suggested as part of debate in order to spark conversation on how to solve Japan’s decreasing birth rate. This is because a popular belief is that Japan’s population is shrinking because women are putting their careers first (Semuels). Hence, Hyakuta’s suggestions of restricting access to higher education and putting a time limit on marriage and children are so that women are more likely to focus on their families. However, a major reason for the low birth rate is economic instability. With high living costs, bleak job prospects, and a tough work culture, people are reluctant to get married and have children (Economic Times). They know that it would be difficult to afford to raise children and the current corporate culture in Japan is not conducive to raising a family. Moreover, the bleak job prospects means that most young men are not attractive marriage prospects (East-West Center). As men are widely expected to be the breadwinners in Japan, a lack of employment opportunities means there are less marriages occurring (Semuels). Most of Japan’s current policies focus on supporting married couples with raising a family, and so this aspect of the declining birth rate is not being tackled as extensively (Economic Times). The Impact This Has This has presented two main issues for Japan. The first is that Japan is looking to fortify its military, which will be difficult with an aging population (Economic Times). The second is the economic implications of having a shrinking workforce and fewer adults in the future to support the economy.   Why Women’s Autonomy Is More Important Are those concerns more important than the autonomy of women? More specifically, are the severe restrictions that Hyakuta’s policies would implement on women justifiable in the name of improving Japan’s birth rate. This is because while we have established that restrictions on autonomy are common in legal systems, there is a difference between that and the extreme measures that Hyakuta suggested. Access to Higher Education While Hyakuta suggested barring women from higher education, the fact that he did not suggest completely removing their access to education makes me presume that he either understood that education was important or he thought that suggesting it would be so extreme that it would take away from the point he was attempting to make. Removing women’s access to higher education makes them more unemployable in a country that already has bleak job prospects. Considering Japan wants to increase the birth rate and studies show higher female employment rates lead to higher birth rates, it may be counterproductive to make women focus on families at the expense of their careers without their consent (Wingfield-Hayes). Moreover, 70% of women quit working after their first child and will need to rely on their husband’s salary (Semuels). …

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Chinese Investment in Ireland Ireland has a high level of foreign direct investment (FDI) as it is used as an European base for many US companies. This will likely increase due to the Chinese firms that have been choosing to locate in Ireland (Belton). There are many aspects to consider when understanding the implications of increased Chinese investment in Ireland and we will be taking a look at some of them. Tax Implications Ireland is actively courting Chinese companies to encourage them to move to Ireland. The Industrial Development Authority is Ireland’s agency that focuses on attracting foreign investment and they have three offices in China as they want Chinese companies to use Ireland as their way to access Europe (Belton). Ireland has also one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe which makes it attractive for Chinese companies; although, this has recently increased to 15% due to the OECD Two Pillar Agreement. It is interesting to note that when the European Court of Justice found that Apple had to pay Ireland 13 billion euros in unpaid taxes, Dublin argued against the need for the tax to be paid (Croft). Countries are inclined to offer tax incentives to companies in order to drive investment and employment, but this creates unfair advantages for companies that tend to already be major players in the market. Hence, while Ireland may benefit from the 13 billion euros, they also will not want to create a reputation that Ireland is not able to apply their own laws accurately or that they give preferential tax treatment to a company to the detriment of others. Job Opportunities Countries who have low corporate tax rates enjoy the position of being more attractive to companies who want to set up abroad. This comes with advantages such as creating jobs and increasing the employment rate. Long term effects can also help improve the infrastructure of a country. However, Ireland already has high levels of FDI and so some economists question whether Ireland needs the jobs that Chinese investment would create (Belton). Paired with this is the consideration that Chinese investment in Ireland will have reputational consequences which may drive away US firms or have other economical effects which would disadvantage Ireland in the long run. Moreover, while FDI promotes economic growth, there are arguments for focusing on promoting domestic industries and creating jobs through that avenue. In recent years, it’s been clear how globalization has affected economies globally due to events occurring elsewhere. Hence, while we may have been in a hyper-globalization period, recent crises like Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows the risks of relying on external dependencies (Keller and Marold). So while currently China may be investing in Ireland, it is worthwhile to note the long-term impact on focusing on FDI in a world that may be moving towards deglobalization. Diversification Since Ireland’s economy relies on FDI, some economists appreciate the fact that there is now investment from China as it serves as an insurance policy should US companies leave Ireland (Belton). Bringing jobs back to America has been an important political point for some time and during the 2024 elections both presidential candidates pledged to bring manufacturing back to the US. There are economists who are skeptical that the strategies discussed so far would actually bring back those jobs back to America (Lopez). Trump has promised to end outsourcing if he was elected in 2024, but his first presidential campaign made similar promises and he was not able to follow through (Unity Communications). Nevertheless, the desire to bring jobs back to America exists and considering the pressure on US tech companies to go back to the US, it could be a useful strategy to diversify investments (Belton). While some may be reluctant to see a further increase in FDI, Chinese investment may prove to be the failsafe needed should US firms pull out of Ireland- this failsafe is important considering the Irish economy’s reliance on FDI. Reputational Affect However, it is also important to consider that welcoming these Chinese firms could affect Ireland’s reputation. This would be due to the claims of violations of human rights that companies like Shein have. Shein has discovered child labor in its supply chain and has been subject to multiple allegations on their working conditions (Kulkarni). There are also companies like Huawei which contribute 800m euros to the Irish economy but have been sanctioned by the US due to national security concerns and the UK has followed suit by removing Huawei parts from phones (Belton). While Ireland may enjoy the benefits that come with Chinese investment, they have to consider whether it is worth it and if they want companies associated with human right abuses or that have been banned by multiple Western countries to be operating in their country. Ireland enjoys a close relationship to the US and this may protect it from some of the reputation effects of engaging with the aforementioned companies (Belton). However, it does send a certain message to the international community and could reflect on the standards that Ireland holds. Hence, Ireland needs to continuously weigh the benefits of welcoming Chinese investment. FAQs 1. What is Sav? Sav is a money-management app, allowing you to stick to your money goals, plan for the future, and spend confidently in the present.Your Sav card helps you meet your goals – just connect your bank account, top up your Sav card, choose goals you would like to set aside money for, and apply rules that automatically allocate funds toward your goals. The money set aside for your goals is safe. It is always available on your prepaid card and held with our partner financial institutions licensed by the CB UAE.You can use your Sav card to get additional rewards and cashbacks while spending. Check out our offer page to find the latest deals and promotions. 2. Is Sav a bank? No, ‘Sav Technologies Limited’ is a technology company registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, …

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UAE Lowers Driving Age to 17: Benefits, Risks, and Implications The UAE has become the first country in the GCC to lower the minimum age to obtain a driving license to 17 (Saseendran). Previously, to hold a driving license for cars one had to be 18 years old. This is seen by some as a positive change as it grants teenagers more freedom and responsibility. Some 17 year olds are in university as well and having access to personal transportation can be important. Danger of Lowering the Driving Age There are fears associated with lowering the driving age. Critics believe that young drivers should not be on the road because they are not mature or responsible enough. Hence, the argument is that they are more likely to make riskier choices on the road which ultimately makes it a more dangerous environment for everyone. There are also statistics which seem to indicate that younger drivers are more likely to get into fatal crashes, however, it could just be the nature of driving which means that the newest drivers are more likely to have higher crash rates due their lack of experience (Habas). Therefore, it may not be indicative of an issue with 16 year old drivers but rather just that they are the newest drivers on the road. Those accidents could potentially be attributed to 18 year olds if the minimum driving age increased in the areas reported on. Cultural Reality What is important to note is that a lack of license does not stop many young drivers. Many people start driving before they get their license, and in remote areas the need for transportation means people start driving at quite a young age (Tesorero). Acknowledging this cultural reality is important because it means that legislation can be developed around it. Further, 25% of Dubai cases registered against minors in 2020 were related to underage driving (Al Amir). The facts show us that underage driving is still a prevalent problem. Moreover, although traffic deaths have reduced by two thirds due to tougher laws and pro-active policing, road accidents are still the leading cause of death of children in Abu Dhabi (Bhandari; Safety & Traffic Solutions Committee). By reducing the minimum age requirement, the UAE government is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that underage drivers have the appropriate education to make sure that they are not a danger to themselves or others on the road. This can help make the UAE’s roads safer as 17 year olds no longer need to illegally drive but can apply for their license and receive formal training. Examining the Debate Through a Different Content The different reactions to the decree-law center around whether there is an understanding of the reality of the situation. An acknowledgement of the fact that underage drivers exist and will continue driving without the required education is important to have an holistic understanding of how the topic should be tackled. Even if there were no underage drivers, there are arguments for lowering the minimum driving age. However, seeing as underage driving is an issue, it raises the question of whether the law should legislate for them or not. This same conflict can be seen when it comes to abortion rights. For instance, in 2022 when Roe v Wade was overturned in the US and the court held there was no constitutional right to abortion, several states adopted laws that limited access to abortions (Britannica). However, a study found that restricting abortion did not reduce abortion rates and that countries where abortion was broadly legal and countries where it was completely prohibited had similar abortion rates (Doucleff). The need for abortion does not vanish when abortion is made illegal, it just means that the routes to access abortion are not legal and can be unsafe. Hence, restricting abortions does not prevent it from happening but it does make it more unsafe. The WHO has found that when abortion is legal 90% of abortions happen safely, but when it is restricted then only 25% happen safely (Doucleff). Similarly, ignoring underage drivers in the UAE would not mean that they do not drive, and clearly the fact that it is illegal has not completely abolished the practice. Instead, regulating underage driving and ensuring that they are trained means that the drivers and everyone else will be safer. Class Implications In both driving and abortions, there are also class implications to consider. When it comes to underage driving, those who come from privileged backgrounds are more capable of paying the heavy fines. Similarly, when it comes to abortions, those seeking it in places where it is banned are likely to travel elsewhere where it is legal and this is more accessible to those who are wealthy. As a result, lowering the driving age in the UAE should be considered as the right move. It will help reduce traffic accidents by ensuring that underage drivers are able to apply for a license and will receive the necessary training. FAQs 1. What is Sav? Sav is a money-management app, allowing you to stick to your money goals, plan for the future, and spend confidently in the present.Your Sav card helps you meet your goals – just connect your bank account, top up your Sav card, choose goals you would like to set aside money for, and apply rules that automatically allocate funds toward your goals. The money set aside for your goals is safe. It is always available on your prepaid card and held with our partner financial institutions licensed by the CB UAE.You can use your Sav card to get additional rewards and cashbacks while spending. Check out our offer page to find the latest deals and promotions. 2. Is Sav a bank? No, ‘Sav Technologies Limited’ is a technology company registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE, with registration number # 5474. Through our banking partnership with Mashreq Bank, VISA and NymCard, we provide VISA prepaid cards. 3. Does Sav issue bank …

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Kemi Badenoch’s Fundamental Misunderstanding Maternity pay has “gone too far” according to Kemi Badenoch, who is running to be leader of the British Conservative Party. After experiencing severe backlash, she is now claiming that she was misrepresented and her comments were regarding cutting the regulatory burden on businesses (Francis). While Badenoch uses her status as a mother to showcase how she is a supporter of maternity pay, she seemingly fails to realize that reducing this burden on businesses would mean that statutory maternity pay is also reduced and so she is, in fact, advocating for reduced maternity pay. Excessive Function Of Tax Moreover, contrary to Badenoch’s belief that maternity pay is an excessive function of tax, statutory maternity pay is the only maternity pay that is legislated for- UK employment law does not give those pregnant any further rights regarding pay on maternity leave (UK Gov). The only way that this would be a burden on businesses is if none of their employees were ever pregnant due to potentially either discriminatory hiring practices or a toxic work culture and so the business would never be under an obligation to provide maternity pay. Further, the function of tax is to improve public infrastructure and unless one is against empowering women to remain in the workforce, improving infant health, and reducing symptoms of postpartum depression it seems inane to believe this is outside the remit of the British government which provides public healthcare (Maven). While Badenoch also believes that people need to have more personal responsibility, as she states there was a time when there was no maternity pay and people were having more babies, she needs to be more conscious of shifting societal norms and trends (Francis). As a society, we are moving into a time where ESG is becoming increasingly relevant and there is an expectation that companies support their employees. There is a financial burden associated with children and Britain’s falling fertility rate can likely be linked to austerity (Robinson). With the cost of living crisis and the fact that in 2023 UK was forecasted to be the only major economy to shrink, it is natural for people to be reluctant to grow their families and it is an example of them displaying personal responsibility. Accessible Entry Into The Workplace   Women deserve to have accessible entry into the workforce and a means to gain financial independence without being constrained due to inequality in the workplace. They should have an equal right compared to men to pursue work opportunities and advance their careers- a public infrastructure which supports this not only empowers women but also bolsters its economy. For instance, companies who are more diverse are reported to be more likely to have returns above national industry medians (Hummel). While this may not be a result of causation, research also shows that when women can earn and control their earnings, their children are more likely to be educated and their household income grows which in turn grows the economy (Gates Foundation). Aside from the economic impact, women’s economic empowerment also leads to a reduction in gender-based violence, increased political participation, and assists in disaster risk reduction (UN Women). Empowering women and enabling them to access the workplace through measures like legislating for maternity pay has positive benefits for society on every level. Societal Implications Research shows the positive impact of maternity leave on infant mortality rate and maternal stress, and maternity pay enables those pregnant to access these resources available to them. However, taking a long leave increases the risk of being fired or demoted and affects co-workers’ perception of how committed they are to their job. This bias was not restricted to men but was seen in both genders which helps explain how Badenoch, as a mother, can advocate against maternity pay and for increased personal responsibility (Hideg et al.). These negative effects on one’s prospects in their workplace defeats some of the purpose in providing maternity leave and pay as mothers will still need to make a choice between using it and suffering the negative impact on their career, or prioritizing their livelihood. In fact, a study by Harvard Business Review showed that those who have a career break due to being fired are more likely to be called to interview then those who have a career break due to childcare (UMA). It seems ridiculous and yet it is clear that there are negative connotations attached to those pregnant utilizing their right to maternity leave and pay. It is overwhelmingly clear that maternity leave and pay is important to empower women and for societal improvement, but it can be difficult to make advancements due to the negative connotations associated with maternity leave. When the call is also coming from inside the house, from mothers like Kemi Badenoch, it becomes evident the barriers that need to be removed before ensuring equal rights in the workplace. It is vital to remember that maternity leave and pay is important and that it has a tangible positive impact on parents and children. FAQs 1. What is Sav? Sav is a money-management app, allowing you to stick to your money goals, plan for the future, and spend confidently in the present.Your Sav card helps you meet your goals – just connect your bank account, top up your Sav card, choose goals you would like to set aside money for, and apply rules that automatically allocate funds toward your goals. The money set aside for your goals is safe. It is always available on your prepaid card and held with our partner financial institutions licensed by the CB UAE.You can use your Sav card to get additional rewards and cashbacks while spending. Check out our offer page to find the latest deals and promotions. 2. Is Sav a bank? No, ‘Sav Technologies Limited’ is a technology company registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE, with registration number # 5474. Through our banking partnership with Mashreq Bank, VISA and NymCard, we …

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