DEI Women in Management
DEI Women in Management event, November 2022
For many companies, increasing the number of women in management roles is a high priority. However, targets that are realistic in Europe and elsewhere can be tough to reach in the Japanese market. This event - initiated by the Maersk DEI team, designed by Global Perspectives, hosted by the Swedish Embassy in Japan, and supported by the Danish and Swedish Chambers of Commerce - brought together representatives from different industries to share their challenges and successes and to learn from each other.
After opening comments from GP founder Tove Kinooka to set the scene, we started the event with a panel discussion. Expertly moderated by Siweon Carrie Park of Maersk and featuring speakers from IKEA, Novo Nordisk, and Ericsson, the discussion explored what is holding women back from moving into management positions in Japan and what different organisations are doing to effect change.
Panelists gave examples of company-wide initiatives and their thoughts and experiences, ranging from revising hiring practice guidelines to leaders sharing their personal stories of struggle and success with employees.
The second half of the event was an interactive workshop. Facilitated by GP, around 60 event attendees broke into small groups to reflect on what they’d heard in the panel, and discuss what they saw as the main challenges on this issue. Each group then took on one specific challenge and brainstormed practical ways to overcome it.
The outcome of each group’s discussion was captured on a poster and displayed on the venue walls so attendees could move freely around the “gallery” to see each group’s ideas. With drinks and snacks in hand, attendees then mingled with each other to make new connections and continue discussions on topics of particular interest to them.
The key output and insights from the whole event were captured in a report - we are happy to share this with anyone interested.
We also plan to hold a follow-up event on this important topic in the next few months, so get in touch if you and/or your organisation would like to get involved!
You can reach us at: info@globalperspectives.biz, or go to the Contact Us page on this website.