Tokushima University was selected for the FY2024 MEXT Subsidy Programs of Support for the Cultivation of Human Resources in the Science and Technology Fields Initiative for Realizing Diversity in the Research Environment (Leadership training type for women) and held a kickoff symposium entitled "Let's make Shikoku and Tokushima University a place where we can nurture successful female leaders! - Tokushima University Female Leader Training Project" at the Otsuka Memorial University Auditorium Small Hall 1 on June 27th, 2025.
The symposium was attended by approximately 100 people, including faculty and staff from Tokushima University, as well as participants from industry, government, and academia across the country, including online and on-demand participants.
The first part of the symposium began with an opening address by President Kawamura Yasuhiko, followed by a guest address from Mr. Oba Ryohei, Assistant Director, Human Resources Policy Division, Science, Technology and Academic Policy Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and then Ms. Yamamura Yasuko, Program Officer, Japan Science and Technology Agency, explained the purpose and background of the project. In the keynote speech, "Empowerment: Developing Careers and Lives," Ms. Osaki Asako, Director, the nonprofit organization Gender Action Platform, spoke about the elements of empowerment and gender perspectives, making it a valuable opportunity to learn many things, such as the ability to ask for help and the importance of dialogue.
In the second part, a panel discussion was held with five panelists titled "What Kind of Support is Needed to Develop the Next Generation of Leaders?", in which lively discussions were held about leadership development from Tokushima and gender promotion, including the participation of men and young people, making it a very meaningful symposium.
Opening Address by President Kawamura
Keynote
Panel Discussion
