Hopes are high that a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games will brush off the controversies they have been tainted by, including a sexism row that has damaged the reputation of the games and undermined Japan¡¯s efforts to narrow the gender gap.
With Seiko Hashimoto, a former Olympic speedskater and cyclist, now at the helm of the Tokyo Organising Committee and its board having been revamped with a higher share of female members, the event could serve as a chance for Japan to showcase that, at least in sports, it is serious about equality.
¡°For true gender equality, I think women must be able to lead a lifestyle of their choice, not only as athletes but once they finish their careers as well,¡± Hashimoto told the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following her appointment as president of the committee.
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