HIDA Journal 2015 SPRING No.6

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HIDA JOURNAL22Schedule for the Program on Empowerment for Women Leaders in IndiaDateMorningAfternoonNov. 17, Mon.Orientation, Opening ceremonyLecture: Governmental Policies for promotion of women empowerment in JapanMs. Mami Fukuchi Director, Economic and Social Policy OfficeEconomic and Industrial Policy BureauMinistry of Economy, Trade and Industry, METILecture: Diversity Management in Japanese CompaniesMs. Michiko AchillesDirector and Vice Chair of the BoardNPO GEWELNov. 18, Tue.Visit: Selected as one of the Diversity Management companies by METICybozu, Inc.Visit: New business development /New product development from women’s points of viewRicoh Company, Ltd.Nov. 19, Wed.Lecture: Overview of Japanese market/ Japanese Market from an Indian entrepreneur’s point of viewMr. Sanjeev SinhaDirector, PricewaterhouseCoopers Co. Ltd.Doing Business in Japan(exchange opinions with Indian entrepreneurs in Japan)Ms. Nirmala Junko TeivaGreen Japan Ltd. Founder & CEO PresidentMr. Chellappa Sriram, CEOMs. Shivaranjani Pasupathy Sr. Executive, Nihon Technology Private LimitedNov. 20, Tue.Visit: New product development from women’s points of viewToppan Printing Co., Ltd. Public Symposium: India-Japan Business Women Forum“Toward the creation of a society where women shine”Nov. 21, Fri.Workshop: Women Leadership (1)Workshop: Women Leadership (2)Ms. Yoko IshikuraProfessor Emeritus, Hitotsubashi UniversityComments by Professor Emeritus Ishikura Current state of the social advancement of women in Japan and IndiaThe fact that in Japan few women enter the labor market despite their high levels of education, and only a few of them assume leadership positions, is a problem. What is more, though the notion of “inclusive growth,” which aspires to give all people equal opportunities and enrich everyone fairly, has been garnering attention around the world, it seems that Japan is somewhat lacking in this notion, and in diversity. Conversely, in India there are many successful female politicians and entrepreneurs, but the gap between those who are successful and those who are not is enormous. I feel that the bar must be raised across the country as a whole, chiefly in disseminating education. Yet India has an enormous young generation that is proficient in English and knowledgeable about IT, so with these strengths there are high hopes regarding the country’s future economic growth. There are many areas over which Japan and India can cooperate together when it comes to the advancement of women. Message to companies and working women The biggest problem for Japanese companies is that it is hard to generate new ideas because the work tends to be done by people of the same sex and from the same generations at all times. Suppose that in a company discussions have been held to date between people with similar backgrounds. When people with different standpoints and values are added to the discussion, such as women and foreigners, it may take some time to move things forward at first, and there may be some people who feel resistance. Yet it is by incorporating this multitude of new perspectives that the innovations that are crucial for the company’s future growth will come about.I want to tell women to be confident and have faith in themselves, and to never shrink from constantly improving their knowledge and skills and increasing their value. It is also important that they maintain their health, and have the disposition to continue working throughout without giving up. Photo taken of all of the participants on the first day of the Program on Empowerment for Women Leaders in IndiaA Few Words from Ms. Noriko Maruyama, General Manager of the HIDA Tokyo Kenshu Center and Project Leader for the Program on Empowerment for Women Leaders in IndiaThe words “societies where women can shine” are ones that we see and hear almost on a daily basis. But this is not just a goal for Japan, but a shared global goal. When HIDA initiated this plan to hold a training course aimed at female business leaders from India, there were various discussions held among the project team. According to a report published by the World Economic Forum, Japan is ranked low at 104 out of 142 countries on the Gender Gap Index. My feeling was that, instead of an approach of holding Japan up as a model, we, as those facing common problems and challenges, must think together about what we should do on our own in order to build a better future. I pray for the successful future of 17 shining women who came to Japan and would like to express my gratitude to the people concerned for their cooperation.

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