At least 40 universities in Japan have implemented a quota system for female applicants in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) ¡ª fields studied by a low percentage of women in Japan ¡ª according to a report released by the Yamada Shintaro D&I Foundation on Thursday.

The foundation, started by the CEO of Japanese e-commerce company Mercari to support women in STEM fields, found that some 700 spots in 40 universities across the nation have been set aside for female applicants in this year¡¯s entrance examinations.

In a survey conducted over the last two months, only three schools ¡ª out of 24 universities that replied ¡ª had introduced a quota system before 2020; four began doing so from fiscal 2023 onward; and 16 are beginning in fiscal 2024, the school year that starts next month. One university plans to implement such a quota from next year.

The recent increase in schools using a gender quota is thought to be a response to the education ministry¡¯s enrollment selection implementation guidelines for 2023, where a section on ¡°the inclusion of those with a diverse background¡± put special emphasis on women in STEM fields.

A majority of the schools surveyed cited the desire to diversify and promote gender balance within classrooms as the intention behind the adoption of a quota system.

While some of them said that the new system had been successful, many others surveyed said it was still too early to determine the quota¡¯s long-term effects.

Out of 19 schools that gave a response, 12 said that applicants for this year have either matched or surpassed the number of spots they set aside exclusively for female students. One university said that the percentage of women in engineering fields went up from 10% to 15% over an eight-year period with the quota system in place.

A quota system is not without its issues, however.

Nearly half of the universities surveyed reported the emergence of opposition against the system, with some describing it as ¡°unfair¡± or ¡°reverse sexism.¡± Schools continue to search for ways to destigmatize quota-based admissions.

Many also emphasize the need to offer better facilities and resources for women in STEM fields where they are currently lacking. For example, respondents said they are looking to increase the number of women¡¯s restrooms and offer additional academic support for female students who require it.

Japan is ranked last for its proportion of female graduates in STEM fields.

The most recent data, released by the government last year, showed that although women comprise nearly half of students receiving an undergraduate education, they only make up around 28% of those seeking science degrees and 16% of those pursuing engineering.