#Japan #Tokyo #Sisters #Tamamusubi #Pillow

Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fighting gender-based harassment in the entrepreneurial arena, SISTERS Inc. and the non-profit Pillow Inc. have launched the Tamamusubi Project. This collaboration seeks to provide training, guidelines, and a consultation framework to create safer environments for women entrepreneurs, who face alarming statistics regarding harassment and discrimination.

The Alarming Statistics

A recent study by researchers Eizuru and Higashi has revealed that approximately 70% of female entrepreneurs in Japan have experienced some form of sexual violence or harassment. Their research indicates that 80% of these women have faced gender-based verbal harassment, mainly from fellow entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and peers.

Moreover, Pillow’s own survey highlighted that nearly 70% of major events, including acceleration programs, lacked measures to combat sexual harassment, amplifying the need for a comprehensive approach to support women in business.

These insights reveal a broader issue that demands a systemic change, particularly in how we approach entrepreneurial support and anti-harassment policies.

The Inspiration Behind Tamamusubi

The term 'Tamamusubi' symbolizes the act of tying a knot at the start of knitting, representing the initial steps one takes towards change. The project aims to empower individuals who want to transform their entrepreneurial environments and become proactive in addressing harassment as the first knot in a more secure future for all.

Project Services

1. Harassment Training (Active Bystander Training)

Offered by Impact Shift, this training program is crucial in entrepreneurship communities where close relationships may lead to overlooking harassment. Participants will learn to act as 'active bystanders' and not just witnesses. Through role-playing scenarios, individuals will gain practical skills to respond appropriately in real-life situations.

2. Creation of Guidelines

The project will support the creation of behavioral guidelines and operational protocols for various entrepreneurial settings, such as acceleration programs and conferences. By understanding the specific issues through consultations, tailored approaches will be developed to prevent harassment effectively.

Open-source elements of these guidelines will also be made available for public access, providing a starting point for interested parties.

3. Support for Consultation Hotlines

To prepare for potential harassment incidents, SISTERS will establish and assist in the operations of consultation hotlines. These will allow survivors to choose their preferred method of communication, either via LINE or web forms. Trained professionals will ensure confidentiality and support for those seeking help.

4. Policy Proposals

Pillow has initiated a policy advocacy campaign linking this project to broader systemic changes in entrepreneurial support programs. The goal is to integrate harassment prevention measures as standard operational protocols in publicly funded initiatives.

Free consultations are currently available to anyone involved in the entrepreneurial space, whether from startups, social enterprises, or non-profits.

Company Backgrounds

SISTERS Inc.

Founded in July 2023, SISTERS is devoted to eliminating gender-related injustices and fostering a society where everyone can live authentically. They provide gender education and promote gender diversity and inclusion training for corporations.
Visit SISTERS

Pillow Inc.

Established in May 2021, Pillow is an innovative think tank aiming to identify and address gaps where scientific advancement perpetuates discrimination. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, they seek to promote social reform at the intersection of technology and gender issues.
Visit Pillow

Conclusion

The launch of the Tamamusubi Project represents a critical step towards securing a safer, more equitable environment for women in entrepreneurship. By implementing actionable measures and fostering dialogue, the project aspires to create lasting change that can empower future generations of female entrepreneurs.