THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

EXAMINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND EQUITY AMONG FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS ON THE SEXUAL VIOLENCE CONTINUUM IN JAPAN

Abstract

This study investigates the structural conditions surrounding sexual victimization among female entrepreneurs in Japan. Motivated by the authors’ personal experiences of internalizing the notion that “overcoming sexual victimization is a prerequisite for success,” this research applies a data feminist framework (D’Ignazio & Klein, 2020) to statistically visualize experiences that are often rendered invisible. By doing so, it aims to expose structural oppression and lay the groundwork for policy and institutional interventions.

Drawing on the sexual violence continuum (Kelly, 1987 ), a survey was conducted in March 2025 with 117 valid responses from female entrepreneurs. Key findings include: (1) approximately 70% of respondents reported experiences of sexual victimization, (2) the most commonly identified perpetrators were fellow entrepreneurs, and (3) the primary source of support was peer female entrepreneurs.

The analysis reveals that even among actors of seemingly equal status, latent power asymmetries normalize behaviors such as inappropriate jokes or unsolicited physical contact, rendering them difficult to identify as harm. Furthermore, the study identifies a pattern of “empathetic silence,” wherein consultations among survivors fail to lead to formal support or action. By examining how sexual victimization is normalized and institutionally unsupported in entrepreneurial settings, this research calls for systemic change and highlights the need for tailored support structures and gender-sensitive education within entrepreneurial ecosystems.