The promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment remain a key policy priority for both the EU and Japan. A better business and working environment for women is an indispensable part of progress towards nurturing greater gender equality. 

At this event, European and Japanese stakeholders will discuss common challenges, share experiences and best practices and identify potential avenues for cooperation.

International Women’s Day Seminar 2025

“Building on a new momentum for gender equality – Towards a better working environment for women”

When: Thursday, 6 March 2025, 16:00-18:20 (Online)

Language: English / Japanese (simultaneous interpretation)

Co-organisers:

Delegation of the European Union to Japan

The Japan-EU Parliamentary League of Friendship

The Parliamentary League to Promote Women’s Political Participation and Advancement  

Supported by:

Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office, Japan

European Business Council

Webinar Registration [Deadline - Wednesday, 5 March 2025]:

https://www.eujapanspa.jp/iwd2025online

Programme:

INTRODUCTORY SESSION: A more equal representation in politics to support a better working environment for women

1^st SESSION: Genderless Business Environment – Japan and EU

2^nd SESSION: Better Working Environment for Women

Speakers (in order of appearance):

Ms Junko MIHARA, Minister on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment of Japan [tbc]

Ms Seiko NODA, Member of the House of Representatives,Chair of the LDP Research Committee on Information and Communications Strategy, Chair of the Parliamentary League to Promote Women’s Political Participation and Advancement 

Dr Naoko OKI, Associate Prof. Sugiyama Jogakuen University, Visiting Researcher, Institute for Global Leadership, Ochanomizu University [Moderator]

Mr Shu SAKURAI, Member of the House of Representatives (CDPJ), Secretary General of the Japan-EU Parliamentary League of Friendship, Secretary General of the Parliamentary League to Promote Women’s Political Participation and Advancement

Ms Momoko NOJO, Representative Director and Founder of No Youth No Japan

Dr Rene DUIGNAN, Senior Economist, EU Delegation to Japan  [Moderator]

Ms Kaori TAKAGI, Member of the House of Councillors, Director General of the Diversity Promotion Bureau, Japan Innovation Party

Dr Hiromi HARA, Prof. Meiji University

Ms Nobue KAMBA, Managing Director, Global Head of DEI, Human Resources Division, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group

Mr Tad ENOMOTO, People Director, People ＆Culture, JPAC Region, Sanofi

Ms Yukiko HAYASAKA, Attorney-at-Law, Member, Domestic Relations Legal System Committee, JFBA (Japan Federation of Bar Associations)  [Moderator]

Mr Yosei IDE, Member of the House of Representatives (LDP), Secretary General of the LDP Group to Promote Dual Surname System

H.E. Mr Antoine EVRARD, Ambassador of Belgium to Japan

Ms Tomoko HASEGAWA, Managing Director, Japan Business Federation (Keidanren)

Ms Naho IDA, Representative Director, General Incorporated Foundation Asuniwa

H.E. Mr Jean-Eric PAQUET, EU Ambassador to Japan

Ms Fumie SAITO, W7 Japan Co-Chair/ W7 Canada Advisor  [MC]