Empowering Girls in STEM: The 'Girls Meet STEM in TOKYO' Office Tour Initiative

In a bid to encourage female representation in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, Tokyo is launching an exciting initiative called "Girls Meet STEM in TOKYO." This office tour program, aimed at female middle and high school students, aims to provide them with firsthand experience and exposure to careers in STEM by connecting them with successful professionals in the field.

The initiative will officially start recruiting participants for this summer's first phase on May 21. Backed by the Shin-Taro Yamada D&I Foundation, which works to support girls in their educational and career choices in STEM, the program expands participation to over 50 companies this year compared to previous years. This is a significant development given the ongoing challenge of a low percentage of women entering STEM careers in Japan.

Addressing the Gender Gap in STEM

Japan currently ranks last among OECD countries in terms of female representation in STEM roles, a concerning statistic that underscores the urgency of initiatives like Girls Meet STEM. With only 17.5% of STEM graduates being women, this program is essential in addressing the disparity. By offering opportunities to experience STEM work environments before making career choices, the initiative hopes to spark interest among young women and encourage them to pursue paths in these fields.

Previous iterations of the office tours have resulted in overwhelming positive feedback, with a participant satisfaction rate exceeding 96%. Last year alone, the program attracted over 7,300 applications for only 546 available spots across 12 participating companies like Fast Retailing Co. and Mercari Inc. Such a demand highlights the eagerness of female students to explore STEM careers and the effectiveness of this initiative in supporting their aspirations.

Upcoming Summer Tours

In the upcoming summer of 2023, the program is significantly scaling its operations with plans to engage more than 50 companies, including well-known brands such as Sega and CyberAgent, which are particularly popular among high school students. The tours will include exciting activities such as office visits, hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technologies, workshops, and even discussions with professionals who actively work in the STEM sector. Participants will have the chance to learn about various career paths and ask questions directly related to their interests.

The office tours not only provide an engaging learning experience but also empower young girls to envision their futures in STEM. By showcasing role models and industry insights, Girls Meet STEM helps girls identify their interests and make informed decisions regarding their educational and career trajectories.

For those interested in joining this unique program, female middle and high school students residing or studying in Tokyo can apply through the official website. The application process is free, although students will need to cover their travel expenses to the venue. Given the high demand for spots, a lottery will be conducted if applications exceed the number of available slots.

Event Details

- Tour Dates:

- Phase 1: July 19 - August 17, 2023; Deadline: June 24, 2023
- Phase 2: August 18 - August 31, 2023; Deadline: July 25, 2023

- Eligibility:

- Female middle and high school students residing or studying in Tokyo

- Cost: Free (participants must cover travel costs)
- Application Method: Visit the official website for details.

About the Shin-Taro Yamada D&I Foundation

Founded in July 2021 by the CEO of Mercari, Shin-Taro Yamada, the D&I Foundation is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, aiming for a society where everyone can realize their potential. With a focus on bridging the gender gap in STEM fields, the foundation offers scholarships and support for young women pursuing careers in these areas. The Girls Meet STEM initiative aims to provide engaging experiences through office tours and university campus visits, allowing girls to connect with role models in STEM. Both in-person and online formats will be available to ensure accessibility.

For further inquiries, please reach out to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Gender Equality Promotion Division at 03-5388-3189.