The 120th anniversary celebration of JMWA held on December 11th 2022.
Fig 1. 120th birthday celebration of JMWA
The Japan Medical Women’s Association (JMWA) held its 120th anniversary ceremony, commemorative lectures, and celebration at the Showa University, Kamijo Memorial Hall (Shinagawa, Tokyo). Following the ceremonial address by the president of the JMWA, congratulatory speeches were delivered by the director of the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office, the president of the Japan Medical Association, and the president of Showa University. Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, President of the MWIA and Dr. Bong Ok Kim, Vice President for the Western Pacific Region, presented congratulatory video messages. Members who have been members of the JMWA for more than 50 years were honored with the Sapphire Award and membership, and the representative, Toyo Yamazaki, gave a speech. The commemorative lecture was given by Yoshiko Maeda, president of JMWA, and Minori Kitahara, author and feminist, who spoke passionately about the history and future prospects of the JMWA. At the commemorative celebration, in addition to speeches by guests of honor, a vocal performance was given by a female physician and vocalist. The anniversary ceremony and commemorative lectures are streamed on YouTube.
Gender Equality Symposium
Fig 2. Gender Equality Symposium
On October 29, the 15th Gender Equality Symposium “No Longer Showa (Japanese era name, 1926-1989): Transformation of Japanese Society and Challenges for Gender Equality” was streamed on YouTube.
The special lecturer was Ms. Tomoko Hayashi, former Director General of the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office. The lecture provided an opportunity to think about gender equality today from the new angle of the economy. The Global Gender Gap Index is based on data from four areas: economy, education, politics, and health. Japan ranked 139th in politics and 121st in economy. Eliminating the economic disparity between men and women is a critical point for achieving gender equality in Japan.
Other activities
- Longevity and Social Welfare Committee Lecture. Japan has become one of the world’s leading super-aging societies, and the Japanese government has set forth a plan for a 100-year life span. On January 29, 2023, an expert gave a lecture entitled “Dementia and Frail,” covering everything from the basics of dementia to the latest treatments. 138 people watched the lecture, which can be seen on the website.
- Women’s Health Support Project Lecture. Since 2001, this lecture has focused on sexual issues for young women. Starting in 2019, it has dealt with women’s health more broadly, not just sexual issues. On March 5, 2023, an expert spoke on “Preconception Care Needed in Japan,” discussing the care women’s bodies need before pregnancy and throughout their lives.
- CSW67 Side event. The International Women’s Year Liaison Group, of which the Japan Medical Women’s Association is a member and of which President Maeda serves as CEO, held a side event on March 7, 2023, jointly with the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations. The theme of the side event was “Transforming innovation and technology to empower women and girls.” Approximately 140 people watched online.
- We have posted on the website of the JMWA “We oppose all wars going on in the world.” Today marks one year since Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. It is clear from the situation in Ukraine that it is difficult to end a war once started. Peace will not come from instigating unrest and threats. Now is the time for diplomatic efforts through dialogue to avoid war. The Japan Medical Women’s Association opposes all wars in the world and calls for a policy that emphasizes dialogue as a means of contributing to world peace.
Yoshiko Maeda, President JMWA
Fig 3. CSW 67 Conference Hall