National Women’s Education Center of Japan

This intensive three-week program in Japan aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the survivor-centered approach. It covered GBV measures in Japan and Bangladesh, private sector’s initiatives, and the importance of multi-institutional cooperation. Through a series of lectures and site visits, participants from diverse backgrounds actively exchanged insights. The program concluded in the development and presentation of action plans to be implemented upon their return to Bangladesh.

Following the orientation, the participants shared their respective roles and organizational missions to foster mutual understanding. A keynote speech by Mikiko Otani, attorney lawyer and an expert member of Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), discussed the international legal framework for the elimination of GBV and the historical background of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Representatives from the Japanese government also presented key initiatives, such as the gender equality policy of the Cabinet Office and Life Safety Education from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Bangladesh ranks high in the gender gap ranking of the World Economic Forum due to its quota system and positive action in politics and education. However, child marriage is still a perpetuating problem. Participants showed particular interest in the “Life Safety Education”, recognizing its potential as a multifaceted tool to prevent people from becoming victims, perpetrators, or bystanders of sexual violence.

JICA projects in Kenya and Pakistan were presented as case studies to illustrate important perspectives in formulating practical projects.

Dr. Kyoko Yamanaka, Director of the Institute for Collaborative Practice, Professor Emeritus at Osaka Prefectural University, delivered a lecture on the significance of collaboration among a wide range of relevant stakeholders, including the administration, the judiciary, healthcare, and NGOs. Dr. Yamanaka also conducted a group discussion over a mock case which made the participants consider survivor centered support facilitated by various stakeholders.

The NPO Women's Network Saya-Saya, which partners with local municipalities, held a workshop to uncover the deep-seated beliefs and biases that are the root of violence. Participants engaged in critical discussions to define the essential structural conditions required to build a non-violent society.

Kayomi Kurihara, Chair of the NPO Women's and Human Rights Support Center STEP, conducted an interactive lecture on domestic violence perpetrator program. The participants were deeply impressed and noted that the anger management for perpetrators is necessary in Bangladesh.

Additionally, Miyoko Nagae, Representative Director of the Japan Forensic Human Care Center, provided an overview of the one-stop sexual violence support center in Nagoya. Through her session, participants gained a deeper understanding of trauma-informed care, learning how to support victims struggling with trauma-related symptoms, such as impaired memory and decision-making ability.

The participants visited the Gender Equality Center Yokohama “Forum”, where they learned about its role as a central hub connecting women to various public support services. They observed how the center fosters women’s empowerment and skill development through its information center and diverse range of seminars.

Prior to this, the participants explored the historical journey of Japanese emigrants to American continents at Japanese Overseas Migration Museum at JICA Yokohama Center.

In a lecture by Yuriko Saito, Specially Appointed Professor at Daito Bunka University, she highlighted the challenges faced by the migrant communities in Japan and the threats posed by the internet and social media to the promotion of a multicultural, co-existence society.

To learn about the roles and activities for supporting GBV survivors at local government level, the participants visited the Nakano City Office in Tokyo. Following the welcome remarks by Naoto Sakai, the mayor of Nakano City, the section manager in charge of universal design presented the gender equality initiatives in the locality and awareness raising programs at public schools. NPO Women's Space Yui, which is based in Nakano City, emphasized that creating an environment where women can live with peace of mind in the community is essential for GBV recovery. They illustrated their community-based support, such as housing support for DV survivors and operation of children's cafeterias (kodomo shokudo).

During the lecture by Takuro Yamashita, Professor of International Cooperation Department at Legal Research Institute, Ministry of Justice, the participants learned about the forensic interview to protect victimized children from secondary damage and trauma.

After the lecture by the representative of NPO Rescue Hub, the participants observed the outreach activities conducted in the evening.

In a lecture by Child Fund Japan, growing threat of online child sexual exploitation (CSAM: Child Sexual Abuse Materials) was introduced, which has become grave concern in both Japan and Bangladesh. The session emphasized the urgent needs of strengthening legal response in addressing CSAM, and the rapid increase of the harmful incidents caused by AI.

The participants visited the General Incorporated Association, Social Inclusion Support Center. They were impressed with the nationwide hotline and social media consultation services. There was a particularly strong interest in multilingual support, and participants commented that consultation services in their native tongue would make callers more comfortable and easier to consult with.

The lecture on SOGIESC emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique challenges faced by minorities. It highlighted that developing inclusive support frameworks is essential to ensuring that no one is left behind.

In the final week, the participants collaborated to draft a training plan to be implemented in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and presented it in the online seminar.

The three-week program in Japan concluded with a closing ceremony, where each participant was awarded a certificate of completion, marking the successful end of the intensive Knowledge Co-Creation Program.

NWEC would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to the lecturers from the relevant ministries and agencies, the Nakano City Office, the Gender Equality Center Yokohama, private organizations, practitioners, and experts for their cooperation for this program.