Indo-Japan Consultation on ‘Women at Work and Changing Social Norms’

“Indo-Japan Consultation on ‘Women at Work and Changing Social Norms’”was organized by the Embassy of Japan in India and UN Women, at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, on July 27th, 2017.

Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu delivered the inaugural address. He mentioned in his remarks that, his strong commitment to “gender equality and women's empowerment” and initiatives of Government of Japan. He also explained Japan’s contribution in various fields such as sanitation, education, vocational training, etc. through all modes of cooperation from the government to the grassroots, and stated that Japan could play an important role in realizing “a society where women shine” in India. (Link to Ambassador’s speech).

At the symposium, panel discussions were held with experts from different sectors in both countries, such as Ms.Kaori Sasaki (Founder & CEO ewoman, Inc.), Ms.Asako Osaki (Visiting Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University), H.E. Mr. Suresh Prabhu (Minister of Railways) and Mr. Amitabh Kant (CEO of NITI Aayog). Participants shared various cases and experience in Japan and India, including incorporation of gender perspectives in development assistance, activities in the private sector. It was confirmed that collaboration between Japan and India will be further strengthened to create “a society where women shine".

Ambassador Hiramatsu delivering his speech at symposium



Inaugural Session speakers
(From the left)
Dr. Rebecca Reichmann Tavares, Representative, UN Women MCO for India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka
Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog
Mr. Deepak Premnarayen, Chair, UN Women’s Private Sector Advisory Council in India and President of the Indian Merchants Chamber
Dr. Miwa Kato, Regional Director, UN Women Office for Asia Pacific
H.E. Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Railways, Government of India
Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India
Ms. Keiko Takigawa, Director-General, Gender Equity Bureau, Cabinet Office of Japan
Ms. Vasvi Bharatram, President, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry(FICCI) Ladies Organization



Panel discussion in Session1
(From the left)
Ms. Asako Osaki, Visiting Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University
Ms. Suneeta Dhar Director, JAGORI
Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog
Dr. Reiko Abe, President Director, Oriental Consultants India Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi. Director and UNESCO Representative to. Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka



Panel discussion in Session2
(From the left)
Mr. Kotaro Nakajima, Director, Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, Bharat Hotels Limited
Mr. Deepak Premnarayen, Chair, UN Women’s Private Sector Advisory Council in India and President of the Indian Merchants Chamber
Ms. Kaori Sasaki, Founder & CEO ewoman, Inc.
Ms. Sonia Singh, Editorial Director, New Delhi Television



The hall having a full audience