Envision a future where gender no longer defines one’s potential to innovate and excel in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). A future where every bright mind is empowered, every voice is heard, and every breakthrough is a shared victory. This is a journey toward a more inclusive and inspiring world — one that begins today.
In line with its mission of “advancing science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society”, Institute of Science Tokyo (“Science Tokyo”) is fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many community members are dedicated to establishing a fair and impartial environment where community members value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, expand the scope of scientific inquiry, and collaborate to build a brighter future.
I was first exposed to gender issues in my Cross-Boundary Liberal Arts Course, where many students openly discussed the challenges of gender imbalance. Globally, fewer than 30% of STEM students are women, and Japan mirrors this disparity. At science and engieering fields of our Institute, the situation is even more striking, with only about 16% of the students being female (13% undergraduate, 18% master’s, 21% doctoral, as of May 2025). In response, Japanese society is actively addressing this imbalance by implementing specific quotas and targets at universities, aiming to boost female enrollment in STEM and enhance overall diversity and innovation at academic institutions.
Inspired by that class, I set out to launch an organization, or even a club, that would support and empower women at Science Tokyo, with the broader goal of impacting society as a whole. This initiative would be led by outstanding female students and staff members from across all departments, alongside female instructors recognized for their excellence who can provide guidance and inspiration. The planned activities include regular visits to high schools to showcase the lives of STEM students, mentoring sessions for members, leadership and personal development workshops, and more!
Although this concept is still taking shape, I recently had the privilege of sharing it with trailblazing women from around the world at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. I attended as a proud member of Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER ). Their enthusiastic response affirmed the idea’s potential to drive meaningful change, and several inspiring leaders even offered to mentor participants in the program, which further strengthened my belief in its viability and my determination to bring it to life.
Now, in my final blog as a Student Ambassador, I invite the support of students, instructors, and staff members. Let’s seize this moment to reshape our Institute, empower women in STEM, and set a new standard for innovation and inclusion. Together, we can create a legacy that inspires future generations and redefines what is possible. Step up, get involved, and help drive the change we want to see.
