In recent years, there has been a growing need to support researchers in balancing their careers with parenting and family responsibilities. In particular, ensuring a smooth return to work after maternity or parental leave and maintaining work-life balance present significant challenges for early-career researchers, especially women. Career setbacks resulting from the disproportionate burden of housework and childcare that women face remain a critical issue that the academic community must actively work to resolve.
Expanding the representation of women in academia is also essential. Currently, the percentage of female undergraduate students at the University of Tokyo has remained virtually unchanged at around 20% for the past 20 to 30 years. This is primarily because relatively few women apply to ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app in the first place. Our office is committed to strengthening initiatives that create an environment where women and other minorities can study and work with ease, while also communicating the appeal of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app to female junior high and high school students to encourage them to include it among their higher education options.
Expanding the representation of women in academia is also essential. Currently, the percentage of female undergraduate students at the University of Tokyo has remained virtually unchanged at around 20% for the past 20 to 30 years. This is primarily because relatively few women apply to ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app in the first place. Our office is committed to strengthening initiatives that create an environment where women and other minorities can study and work with ease, while also communicating the appeal of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app to female junior high and high school students to encourage them to include it among their higher education options.
| In October 2022, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app was selected for the Human Resources Development Fund for Science and Technology of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST): Initiative for Realization of a Diverse Research Environment (Female Leader Development Type). As part of the ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app Gender+ Collaborative Reform #WeChange project, we are advancing initiatives aimed at increasing the number of female researchers, including appointments to senior positions. This project is structured around three key pillars: 　1. Promoting the hiring of female faculty members 　2. Supporting skill development for career advancement 　3. Transforming the mindset of majority groups Our office brings together members from various departments across the University of Tokyo, working to ensure that the diverse circumstances and challenges faced by each department are reflected in university-wide support initiatives. By incorporating diverse perspectives, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for all researchers. Keitaro Tanoi Head of Office for Gender Equity ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app  |