Women’s Employment Promotion Policies: What Should Change, What Will Change?
We are pleased to welcome Ms. Kimi Iwata to speak on women’s roles in the workforce. The seminar, titled “Women’s Employment Promotion Policies: What Should Change, What Will Change?”, will provide a comprehensive look on the policies aimed at advancing women’s
professional participation.
After graduating from the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the University of Tokyo, Ms. Iwata joined the former Ministry of Labor (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). She retired after serving as Director-General of the Bureau of Equal Employment Opportunity and Child and Family Affairs. In 2003, she joined Shiseido Co., Ltd., becoming its Vice President and Representative Director in 2008. She is a role model for working women and has made numerous significant contributions to women’s employment promotion policies.
While the Gender Equality Bureau was established within the Cabinet Office in 2001, Japan’s progress remains slow, ranking 118th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index in 2025. In an era where women in key positions are still rare, how does Ms. KImie Iwata, having built an impressive career, perceives the current situation? The discussion will focus on four areas:(1) urgent measures needed in women’s employment policy, (2) priority measures for improving work-life balance, (3) the low proportion of women in management positions, and (4) the issue of regular vs. non-regular employment.
*Please note that this event will follow a dialogue-based format, unlike our previous presentation and Q&A style.
Date and Time
March 17, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm [JST]
Details
- Venue
- Online (Zoom Webinar)
- Language
- Japanese
Speakers
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Ms.Kimie IWATA Ms.Kimie Iwata received her BA in Liberal Arts and Science from the University of Tokyo in 1971 and entered the Ministry of Labor in the same year. She left it in 2003 after serving as Director-General of the Equal Employment, Children and Families Bureau. Ms. Iwata joined SHISEIDO Co., Ltd. in 2003. She served as Representative Director / Executive Vice President from 2008 to 2012. Afterwards, Ms.Iwata served as Independent Director at Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., Kirin Holdings Company, Limited., and at Sumitomo Corporation. She also served as the President of Japan Institute of Women’s Empowerment & Diversity Management and the Audit and Inspection Commissioner of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Her current involvement includes serving as the Independent Director/ Chair of the Board at Ajinomoto Co.,Inc., and Independent Director/Chair of the Nomination Committee at Resona Holdings Inc.. She is married with two daughters.