Empowering Women: Celebrating International Women’s Day through Partnership Events in Kyobashi

Celebrating International Women’s Day in Kyobashi

On March 10, 2023, a significant event honoring International Women’s Day was held in Kyobashi, co-hosted by three prominent companies: Cosmo Energy Holdings, Todakensetsu Corporation, and Pilot Corporation. This special occasion took place at the TODA BUILDING, where not only representatives from each organization gathered but also numerous employees and stakeholders joined in both an offline and online hybrid format, demonstrating the commitment to engaging dialogue on gender equity.

The event featured a keynote address by Rumiko Setoya, the Chairperson of REALs (Reach Alternatives), a certified non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the disarmament of soldiers in conflict zones. Setoya, who was profoundly influenced by images from the Rwandan genocide during her high school years, paved her way into conflict resolution, serving as a diplomat in Afghanistan and later actively working in areas like Gaza, Syria, and Afghanistan, focusing on peacebuilding efforts worldwide.

During her speech, Setoya shared insights about the challenges faced in conflict regions and discussed the importance of fostering a mindset of 'autonomy' that allows diverse values to coexist. Her discourse prompted attendees to reflect on women's roles and contributions within society, making it a remarkable opportunity to consider the pathways for empowering women in various sectors.

Following her keynote, a panel discussion was held, featuring key female leaders: Noriko Ruzonka, CDO of Cosmo Energy, Kazumi Atago, an executive officer at Todakensetsu, and Masahiro Ogoshi, an executive officer at Pilot Corporation. Engaging with Setoya, the panel focused on women's advancement and international business initiatives. In this discussion, the conversation expanded beyond the framework of just 'women's empowerment', advocating for an organizational culture where diverse talents can flourish.

The event kicked off with remarks from Kyosuke Otani, President of Todakensetsu, and Fumio Fujisaki, President of Pilot Corporation, emphasizing the shared commitment to transforming diversity into strength across industries. To conclude the event, Shigeru Yamada, President of Cosmo Energy Holdings, reaffirmed this objective, highlighting the importance of fostering an environment where various backgrounds can contribute effectively.

In a thought-provoking addition, the event offered a sub-event focused on experiencing menstrual pain, showcasing the group's dedication to addressing women's health.

The Cosmo Energy Group remains steadfast in its belief that a diverse workforce, equipped with the right tools and opportunities, can empower women and drive significant contributions to society. By embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) as a crucial part of their human resource strategy, the group prioritizes women's empowerment as an essential area of focus. The organization is committed to pursuing initiatives that enhance corporate value while enabling diverse employees to leverage their strengths to contribute meaningfully to the community.