NEWS

Noriko Nagahori, Specially Appointed Professor, Diversity Research Environment Promotion Office, Human Resource Development Headquarters, Hokkaido University

First, Professor Nagahori, who served as the moderator, explained the current state of gender diversity at Hokkaido University, including the percentage of women among faculty, staff, and students, the percentage of female faculty members by position, and the gender breakdown of faculty ranks.
　
Next, Professor Osawa took the stage and, from the perspective of comparative gender analysis of social policy, which is his area of ​​expertise, spoke about the weaknesses of social investment strategies in Japan, the problems of Japanese society that lack awareness of nurturing human capital, and the injustice of redistribution that was exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
　

Mari Osawa, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo

In Japan, spending on educational institutions is low, the proportion of female researchers is the lowest in the OECD, the on-the-job training rate is particularly low for women, and the rate of lifelong learning for working adults is also the lowest in the OECD. These points illustrate the current situation in Japan where investment in people is being neglected.
Furthermore, he shared the shocking fact that poverty is worsening due to the lack of progress in strengthening the social security system, and that Japan has the lowest poverty rate among OECD countries, India, and China, particularly among employed single parents.
These problems have existed for some time, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed them. The government should rectify the injustice of redistribution, and universities and companies should also examine and correct whether they are corrupting women.
　

Atsuko Miwa, Co-Representative Director, SDGs Civil Society Network

With Ms. Miwa joining the discussion, we talked about topics such as how to cultivate human resources and the role of universities in changing Japan regarding gender equality. When asked what is necessary when nurturing female students and researchers, Professor Osawa's answer was particularly memorable: women are rarely praised for their academic and work progress and achievements, so it is important to find and praise their good points. Many questions were also submitted by viewers, and we answered as many as time allowed.
　

Thank you very much to Professor Mari Osawa, Ms. Atsuko Miwa, and all the viewers.

Following the fourth lecture, the closing ceremony was held, with Ms. Rika Yano, Director of the Diversity Research Environment Promotion Office, Human Resource Development Headquarters, Hokkaido University, delivering the closing remarks.
First, it was mentioned that a total of 828 people (including 191 students) registered to participate in this series of four lectures, both from within and outside the university, indicating that the topic was of high interest.

Rika Yano, Head of the Diversity Research Environment Promotion Office, Human Resource Development Headquarters, Hokkaido University

As President Sako, who gave a lecture at the first event, said, Hokkaido University must not let this end as just a trend. I expressed my aspirations that Hokkaido University will be put to the test from now on, and that I want to embody diversity together with the students who will create the future of tomorrow.
He emphasized that listening to the voices of those directly involved is especially important, and that the Promotion Office will work together as a team to create an environment where people can speak out with peace of mind, and to create spaces and opportunities for mutual learning.
　
Finally, the speaker expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended the lecture and everyone who cooperated, and the event concluded.

Report on the Commemorative Lecture Meeting for the Establishment of the "Hokkaido University Diversity & Inclusion Promotion Declaration"

Opening Ceremony, First Commemorative Lecture
Second Commemorative Lecture
Third Commemorative Lecture