Empowering Women through Digital Skills: A Symposium for Economic Independence

2nd Symposium on Women’s Economic Independence through Digital Talent Development

The inaugural event aimed at discussing and promoting women’s economic independence is all set to return in its second edition on March 13, 2026. This year's symposium is themed around the vital importance of digital skills in empowering women, particularly in local communities. The event will attract audiences from various sectors, including government officials and industries advocating for women’s participation in the workforce.

What to Expect

This symposium will not only feature keynote speakers and discussions around successful implementations and challenges faced in developing digital talents among women but also provide a platform for networking that can generate significant collaborative opportunities.

Event Details

- Date: March 13, 2026
- Time: 13:00 - 17:00 (JST)
- Location: House of Representatives First Members' Office Building, B1F Conference Room, Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Following the opening remarks by Hidetoshi Miyaji, Representative of the general incorporated association SuFIA, we are honored to welcome Karen Makishima, former Minister of Digital Affairs, for the guest address.

A pivotal keynote will be delivered by Chiko Yada, a former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, who will discuss the potential digital innovations harnessed to uplift women’s roles in local economies.

The symposium also includes insights from related ministries, showcasing initiatives aimed at improving gender equality in workplaces and addressing the structural challenges that hinder women's success in the digital space.

Program Highlights

- 13:05-13:15: Greetings from distinguished guests.
- 13:15-14:15: A comprehensive presentation on governmental initiatives will be conducted by officials from gender equality and digital transformation sectors.
- 14:30-16:10: Panel discussions featuring industry leaders who are actively promoting women's involvement in businesses, focusing on boosting regional productivity and effectively utilizing local talents.
- 16:20-17:00: Networking session for attendees to exchange insights and ideas.

Join Us

The symposium anticipates participation from up to 200 attendees, including local government officials, business personnel engaged in human resources and digital transformation, freelancers, and anyone interested in this key topic. Best of all, attendance is free!

We warmly encourage anyone keen to engage in these discussions and contribute to the dialogue around women's empowerment through digital skills to register ahead of time via our application form.

Keynote Speakers and Panelists

The lineup of speakers has been curated to provide diverse perspectives:

- Yusuke Takada, Director of the Regional Communication Promotion Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Wakako Shigematsu, Director of Community Promotion at CPA Excellent Partners.
- Yutaro Yamamuro, CEO of Meribiz, and more.

By participating, you will not only gain valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to boost women’s advancement but will also connect with others who are passionate about enhancing the skills that lead to empowered lives.

In Conclusion

At SuFIA, we remain dedicated to supporting economic independence for all individuals, aligning perfectly with this symposium's goals. By attending, you align yourself with a collective movement aimed at creating sustainable pathways for women in digital spaces, reinforcing the message that regional development thrives when everyone has the tools needed to succeed.

For those unable to attend in person, don’t worry – we’ll provide online streaming options as well, with an archiving service post-event for later viewing.