Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka to attend the World Assembly for Women in Tokyo
Date:
UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will visit Tokyo, Japan from 12 – 14 December to participate in the opening session of the World Assembly for Women (WAW) 2016, an annual conference that convenes leading figures from around the world share ideas and strengthen efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Japan, who holds the G7 Presidency in 2016, will also host a G7 meeting on “Women’s Initiative in Developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Careers (WINDS)”, which was launched at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit to bridge the gender gaps and eliminate gender disparities and stereotypes in STEM education and career.
Also during WAW, UN Women will present the Japanese version of its first virtual reality film experience, which tells the story of Finesse, a Burundian woman living in Lusenda refugee camp in DRC. Since participating in UN Women Safe Spaces initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, Finesse participated in agricultural projects and was able to support herself and her children.
During her visit, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka will meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe to discuss Japan’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment and increasing contributions to support women in humanitarian action and in conflict settings, and to build social cohesion.
The Executive Director will also meet with Hironobu Narisawa, Mayor of Bunkyo City, who is a strong supporter of HeForShe and hosts the UN Women Liaison Office in Japan.