Since the end of June 2024, we have been implementing projects funded by 'Dormant Deposits'. We offer the following activities for free. For more details, please visit the Single Mothers' Station website.
Advocacy
Our work so far and our vision for the future:
1
Advocacy and policy proposals
Addressing the challenges faced by unmarried single mothers in Okinawa
Petitioned to apply widow’s deduction when calculating rent for public housing (to the Prefectural Assembly)
Advocated for applying widow’s deduction to childcare fees across Okinawa Prefecture (to the Prefectural Assembly)
Petitioned to amend the Income Tax Law (widow’s deduction provision) to apply to all single parents (to the National Diet) — achieved in 2020 with the introduction of the single parent tax deduction, which also applies to unmarried parents
Petitioned to Naha City Council for monthly child-rearing allowance payments
Petitioned to Naha City Council regarding the issue of eviction from public housing when the youngest child turns 18 — achieved! Extended to 23 years old
Petitioned to all municipalities regarding public housing guarantor requirements (petitioned to ease conditions and allow for no guarantor) — achieved! Implemented by Naha City
2
Building a community for single parents: networking and information exchange
A message of ‘Take time for yourself, you’re doing enough!’ - Monthly ‘Evening Socials’ in Naha City
Childcare provided in a separate room, allowing mothers time to talk about their own experiences (with tea and snacks provided)
Mental health care workshops and empowerment courses held
Single-parent support worker training sessions (held twice)
Since 2023, we’ve been offering "Evening Socials" and online consultations
3
Food assistance and support for single-parent families during the COVID-19 pandemic
Increase in income loss and unemployment, leading to further financial hardship. We provided food and other support to:
2020: 1,200 households, 3,780 people
2021: 1,280 households, 3,840 people
2022: 645 households, 2,257 people
2023: 200 households, 700 people
4
Research and information dissemination
Our independent surveys and joint investigations with the media
Joint custody survey 2022, September 8 Okinawa Times, Social Section
Cost of living survey 2022, December 30 Okinawa Times front page, Ryukyu Shinpo, Social Section
Cost of living survey 2023, April 27 NHK Okinawa Broadcasting Station, Special Feature
Cost of living survey 2024, February 7 Ryukyu Shinpo front page, Social Section, February 8 Editorial, February 10 Lifestyle Section
