#Japan #Tokyo #STEM #GovTech Tokyo #Girls Meet STEM

Empowering Young Women in STEM: Experience the Future with GovTech Tokyo

On August 5, 2025, an innovative event titled "Girls Meet STEM in Tokyo" will take place, aimed specifically at high school girls interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Hosted by GovTech Tokyo, in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Shintaro Yamada D&I Foundation, this program offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore career paths and engage with pioneering women in the digital transformation of administration.

What to Expect from the Tour

The event will run from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the GovTech Tokyo event space, located in the heart of Shinjuku. Attendees will take part in various interactive segments, including:

• - Introduction to Administrative Digital Transformation (DX): Participants will learn about the importance of digitalization in government and how technology is reshaping public services.
• - AI Workshop: A hands-on experience using artificial intelligence, allowing attendees to understand practical applications of technology in today's administrative environment.
• - Panel Discussion: Engaging discussions with female engineers at GovTech Tokyo, providing insights into career opportunities in STEM and the role of women in tech.

Registration Details

The program is open to high school girls residing or studying in Tokyo, with only 20 spots available. If applications exceed this limit, a lottery will determine the participants. Importantly, there is no participation fee; however, attendees will need to cover their own transportation costs to the venue.

Pre-Tour Activities

In preparation for the August event, a press conference was held on June 11, where details about the tour were unveiled. This involved an engaging session with 23 high school girls who participated in a preliminary office tour. The agenda included discussions around the necessity of digitization in government and real-world applications of AI. Additionally, a panel discussion featuring women working at GovTech Tokyo was conducted, addressing the impact of technology on improving public services and the various roles within the tech field.

One standout moment during the session was the appearance of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who shared her own experiences and encouraged attendees to consider STEM careers. Her insights provided valuable perspectives on overcoming challenges and the importance of female participation in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Voices from the Participants

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. A high school girl stated, "I knew I wanted to pursue a career in science, but I struggled to visualize my future. Listening to women who have succeeded in their careers was incredibly inspiring." Another participant shared, "The panel discussion opened my eyes to career possibilities I never knew existed. Hearing Governor Koike's commitment to supporting women in STEM motivated me to pursue my ambitions further."

Addressing a Critical Need

This initiative is crucial in light of the ongoing demand for digital talent in government. The general public's satisfaction and utilization rates of digital services are alarmingly low, compounded by the projected significant decline in the number of government employees due to population decrease. This reality highlights the pressing need for digital transformation in administrative services, underscoring the importance of nurturing future talent in this domain.

In Japan, the representation of women in STEM careers is critically low; only 17.5% of university graduates in STEM fields are female, ranking Japan last among OECD countries. GovTech Tokyo's program aims to combat these statistics by providing wide-ranging experiences and networking opportunities for young women in STEM. With participation from over 50 companies, the initiative promises to inspire the next generation of female leaders in technology.

Conclusion

By hosting the "Girls Meet STEM in Tokyo" event, GovTech Tokyo hopes to cultivate interest and broaden career horizons for young women in STEM fields. The experience aims to be a springboard for participants, equipping them with knowledge and inspiration to explore promising futures in science and technology.