We were delighted to gather face-to-face with members and friends at Conrad Tokyo, marking this important date with a sit-down breakfast and insightful panel discussion.

Guest speakers Amy Fischer (Aesop), Melissa Kuwahara (Rakuten), and Dr. Lena Okajima (ALE Co., Ltd) sat down with moderator Gerard Adams (Kyowa Hakko Bio), each sharing their thoughts on the UN’s IWD 2022 theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. The speakers highlighted the role of diversity and inclusion in ensuring businesses’ future sustainability, by not only increasing diverse approaches to problem solving, but also creating flexible workplaces that cater to the needs of all – an environment that is easier for women to work in is easier for everyone.

 

The speakers also touched on the importance of having visible female leaders in “non-traditional” roles to inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps, whether that means launching their own startup or forging a career in a previously male-dominated industry.

 

Thank you again to all our speakers and guests, as well as Conrad Tokyo for their wonderful hospitality!