Japan`s government is pushing employers to hire and hold onto more female staff to help solve a growing national labor shortage. Economists argue that more women workers will boost growth and improve global competitiveness.

The country is facing a growing labor crisis. By 2050, the International Monetary Fund says the working population will be 37% off its peak in 1995. To solve the problem the government wants more women working, raising their employment rate from 68% to 73% by 2020. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he wants to create a Japan where women can shine but prospects are far from bright. Women earn an average 27% less than men, an imbalance critics say the law doesn’t address CCTV`s Mike Firn reports from Tokyo with this story.

Japan Encourages Female Employment to Avoid Labor Shortage

Japan`s government is pushing employers to hire and hold onto more female staff to help solve a growing national labor shortage. Economists argue that more women workers will boost growth and improve global competitiveness. CCTV`s Mike Firn reports from Tokyo.