EPO Non-Profit Organization Wins Tokyo Women Empowerment Award 2023

EPO Non-Profit Organization Wins Tokyo Women Empowerment Award

In a remarkable achievement, the NPO EPO, led by Erika Saito, announced its victory for the prestigious 'Tokyo Women Empowerment Award 2023,' awarded by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This award acknowledges organizations, individuals, and enterprises making significant strides in promoting a society where women can select their diverse paths based on their capabilities and desires.

The award ceremony is set to take place in late January 2024, in attendance of the Governor of Tokyo, marking a significant milestone in EPO's ongoing mission to support women across various sectors. This year, the award program, now in its 12th edition, recorded an immense participation with a total of 72 submissions, which included a record 60 entries from businesses and 12 from the community sector. Ultimately, 11 organizations were recognized for their excellence.

Since its inception in 2014, the award has seen over 400 entries, honoring more than 100 entities and individuals, thereby enhancing their recognition as proactive workplaces for women. Many awardees have reported improved corporate images, positive recruitment impacts, and changes in employee mindsets as a result of their recognition.

What EPO Stands For

The EPO organization operates facilities dedicated to supporting children with severe physical and mental disabilities. It manages 'Kokone,' a daycare service that provides developmental support to children ranging from 0-6 years old, as well as afterschool care programs for older children in Edogawa and Adachi wards of Tokyo.

EPO is also behind the creation of 'COCOLON,' a community platform designed to ensure that children with severe disabilities, along with their families and supporters, can engage in safe and enjoyable activities while connecting with others.

Kokone: A Safe Haven for Children

Since its establishment in 2016, Kokone has provided a nurturing environment for over 200 children with severe disabilities. The program operates with a small class size of five children per day, focusing on high-quality, individualized support. The team, consisting of nurses, childcare workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers, works collaboratively to cater to the needs of each child.

Kokone offers various programs, including transportation, activity schedules, meals, and rest breaks, integrating seasonal events and parent-focused gatherings into their calendar to enrich the experience of both children and their families.

COCOLON Community Initiatives

In 2024 alone, the COCOLON community plans to host 34 events and seminars, expecting participation from around 1,000 individuals. These initiatives aim to foster connections, learning, and play for children with disabilities and their families while addressing the isolation often experienced by these families.

Offering diverse event types—from large gatherings for 30 families to intimate seminars—COCOLON tailors its activities to accommodate individuals' unique needs and interests, providing essential support and opportunities for connection among families.

Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment to Support

EPO remains steadfast in its mission to offer uninterrupted support and nurturing spaces for families of children with severe disabilities. The organization understands the challenges mothers face, often feeling isolated or unsure of whom to turn to for help.

Through high-quality support at Kokone and community-building through COCOLON, EPO aims to promote active social participation for families, facilitating relationships with other mothers and families who share similar experiences, ultimately expanding the variety of options available for their lives.

Erika Saito, the organization's director, expressed her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the award, emphasizing the importance of family feedback as motivation for their work. She highlighted that the recognition acknowledges the daily dedication of the staff who prioritize the well-being of the families they serve, serving as a foundation for future growth and continuous improvement in their efforts.

As EPO looks forward, it commits to enhancing community capacities, ensuring parents can navigate the challenges of childcare and make valuable contributions to their neighborhoods, ultimately advocating for the empowerment and inclusion of families of children with disabilities in society.

For more information about EPO, Kokone, and COCOLON, please visit Kokone and COCOLON. Inquiries or media requests can be directed to [email protected].