Recognizing gender equality as indispensable to sustainable development goals (SDGs)

It is likely that you have heard the word “diversity” before, but do you know what it means? Students might not be too familiar with the word. While for companies, “diversity” may be seen as an objective to work towards.

Diversity is used to indicate a mindset whereby the various differences among the people in an organization are embraced and capitalized upon for the betterment of the organization. These various differences can include the following.

・Age
・Sex
・Nationality
・Race
・Religion
・Educational and work background
…etc.

This diversity-focused approach originated in America. It spread as a movement which sought improve the treatment of women and minorities, who were discriminated against in hiring and other areas of life.

Now, gender equality is being advocated for as a universal goal: “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Initiatives of the “TUS Council of Diversity”

At the Tokyo University of Science, efforts have been made to promote diversity by changing awareness about, and providing support for, female empowerment and career advancement.

On October 1, 2013, the “TUS Council of Women” was established. 
The following initiatives has been undertaken at the Tokyo University of Science in order to increase the number of women in traditionally male-dominated science and engineering-related areas.

Research Supporter System
Support personnel have been put in place to assist with research so that female teaching staff can balance life events, such as child birth, child care and nursing care, with their research activities.

Lectures aimed at female students and researchers
Lectures have been provided about science and engineering-related opportunities and possibilities for female students and researchers. 

Cabinet Office and Tokyo University of Science-hosted symposium for female junior and senior high school students
The Cabinet Office and the Tokyo University of Science have jointly hosted a symposium aimed at helping female junior and senior high school students plan for higher education in science and engineering. Participants talked with women currently active in science and engineering about the lives and work. 
…etc.

In addition, on October 1, 2019 and expansive reorganization of the TUS Council of Women was implemented. It was reestablished as the “TUS Council of Diversity” based on the experience gained from the past six year’s of efforts undertaken by the TUS Council of Women, the new Council of Diversity provides continued support for teaching staff work-life balance (child care, nursing care, medical treatment, etc.) and support for female researchers.

Tokyo University of Science will keep working to ensure that it provides an environment which attracts a diverse range of people and empowers them to fully utilize their skills and talents.