Newly appointed Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Seiko Noda said she wants to take the initiative to promote teleworking to pave the way for more flexible working environments.
Noda, 56, whose son is developmentally disabled, said the practice, also known as telecommuting, can be a huge help for women who juggle work and family commitments.
"I have a six-year-old child. And I also have to be a nurse and a caregiver to look after my son. It's a heavy burden. So I want to make the most of ICT (information and communication technology) to balance work (and my family)," Noda said during a joint interview Tuesday with The Japan Times and other media outlets. "If I can balance these things, I believe any women can."