Special Tanner Lecture will be held at Ochanomizu University

Ochanomizu University [Special Tanner Lecture -21世紀の女性の生き方- 18th May 2016(Wed) 1-3pm] OCHANOMIZU UNIVERSITY
Ochanomizu University [Special Tanner Lecture -21世紀の女性の生き方- 18th May 2016(Wed) 1-3pm] OCHANOMIZU UNIVERSITY
Special Tanner Lecture
- 21世紀の女性の生き方 -
18th May 2016(Wed) 1-3pm
Atsuko Toyama

Atsuko Toyama

Profile:

After graduating from The University of Tokyo Faculty of Law in 1962, Ms. Toyama joined the Ministry of Education as its first female career-stream recruit. Having served in posts such as Director-General of the Higher Education Bureau, Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, and Director General of the National Museum of Western Art, she became Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in the 2001 Koizumi Cabinet. Ms. Toyama subsequently became President of the New National Theatre Foundation. She currently serves as President of the Toyota Foundation and the Japan Ikebana Art Association. Her publications include Toruko: Seiki no Hazama de [Turkey: Negotiating the Century] and Kō Kawaru Gakkō, Kō Kawaru Daigaku [Changing Schools, Changing Universities].

Top Image of Prof. Atsuko Toyama

New, global-scale challenges have emerged in the 21st century that are quite unlike those of the previous century, among them the accelerated advance of the Internet, the jihadist group Islamic State which threatens human existence, and global-scale climatic anomalies. Even at home, we are grappling with a falling birth rate and the graying of society, social security, disparities, regional decline, major natural disasters, and a host of other issues. However, I view these many challenges and difficulties as setting the stage for young people to make their mark.

Japan has traditionally lagged far behind the rest of the world in terms of gender equality. According to the annually-compiled Global Gender Gap Index, which integrates data for the four categories of economy, education, health, and politics, Japan currently stands at 101st among 145 countries. Given the enormous potential of Japanese women, this is regrettable indeed. At the same time, with the Abe administration instituting a number of measures designed to realize a society in which women shine, we can expect opportunities for women to play an active role in society to increase, while society too is looking for a greater contribution from women. Compared to 50 years ago when I struggled to find work, huge progress has been made.

Work is how we grow. It is through learning, thinking, and acting that we really feel alive. To serve society and ensure rich lives, we need high aspirations, deep wisdom, great passion, and the ability to act. I would love to contribute my own experience to considering with you all the proper comportment of a life.