fem-tech.siteCourage and conviction engraved in history.
Hosokawa Garasha, a woman of the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods, was born as Akamatsu Tamako, the third daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide. In 1579, she married Hosokawa Tadaoki and bore him four children (Ochō, Tadatomo, Okitsugu, and Tadamoto).
Blessed with both beauty and intelligence, Garasha converted to Christianity and took the baptismal name "Garasha." She actively engaged in the spread of Christianity.
In 1600, the Battle of Sekigahara took place. Tadaoki fought on the side of the Western Army but was defeated. Fearing for her life due to her connection to the enemy, Akechi Mitsuhide, Garasha took her own life to prevent violence from the enemy soldiers.
Garasha's achievements include:
- Advising Tadaoki in politics and military matters
- Spreading Christianity
- Protecting herself from potential harm by taking her own life
Garasha provided advice to Hosokawa Tadaoki in political and military affairs. She also converted to Christianity and actively worked towards spreading the religion.
During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tadaoki fought on the side of the Western Army but faced defeat. Garasha, being the daughter of the enemy, Akechi Mitsuhide, took her own life out of fear of being targeted by enemy soldiers.
In the 17th century, it was rare for women to possess literacy skills worldwide. The global literacy rate for women was estimated to be around 10%, compared to approximately 50% for men.
There were several reasons for the low literacy rate among women. First, women had fewer opportunities for education compared to men. Most educational institutions at the time exclusively catered to men, and women had to pay the same fees as men to receive education. Additionally, women dedicated a significant amount of time to household chores and childcare, which limited their available time for education.
The low literacy rate among women resulted in various issues. Women lacked knowledge about their rights and responsibilities, often placing them at a disadvantageous position in society. Moreover, due to the lack of education, women faced difficulties in achieving economic independence, making them more susceptible to domestic violence and abuse.
Since the 17th century, the literacy rate among women has gradually improved, and the current estimated global female literacy rate stands at around 80%. However, there is still a gap compared to male literacy rates, highlighting the need for further efforts to enhance female literacy.
It is said that Garasha's ability to read and write surprised the missionaries of the time, leading them to spread her story worldwide. Garasha, as a woman of her time, possessed the rare skill of literacy and had received baptism in the Christian faith, studying the Bible under the guidance of missionaries. Additionally, Garasha was not only fluent in Japanese but also in Latin and Spanish. Her intelligence astounded the missionaries and made her known around the world.
Garasha led an independent life as a woman during the Sengoku period and actively engaged in the spread of Christianity. Amid the limited role assigned to women in society at the time, she acted according to her own beliefs. Her attitude and actions inspired courage in many people. While there is no specific information indicating Garasha's direct contribution to femtech, her accomplishments should be evaluated considering the historical context and social conditions of her time. Her courageous and independent way of life and unwavering beliefs have been celebrated as her great achievements.