| International Women’s Day 2026 – Women Shaping Politics
On 4 March, the EBC attended the International Women’s Day Seminar held at the Delegation of the European Union to Japan and co-organised with the UN Women Japan Liaison Office.
The seminar explored the theme: “Towards a Future Where Women Shape Politics: Japan’s Current Situation and Insights from the Nordics.” The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, and experts to examine practical pathways for strengthening women’s representation in political leadership.
Key highlights from the discussion included:
- An in-depth analysis of Japan’s current “talent pipeline,” from local councils to national leadership
- Valuable insights from Nordic countries, where structural reforms have significantly increased women’s political participation
- The importance of systemic change, including party structures, institutional support, and work-life balance policies
- The connection between inclusive governance and stronger, more resilient societies
The discussions underscored that improving gender balance in political leadership requires long-term structural efforts, but also delivers tangible benefits for governance and economic resilience.
At the EBC, we believe that greater diversity in leadership contributes to more sustainable institutions and a stronger economic environment. Inclusive governance is not only a societal objective, it is also a driver of economic performance and innovation.
Our sincere thanks to the organisers and speakers for facilitating such a timely and substantive exchange. |