National Women’s Education Center of Japan

The 2011 Asia Women Eco-Science Forum was held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in South Korea from Monday, November 7 to Wednesday, November 9.

This forum was jointly established in 2008 by Japan, China and South Korea to support female researchers in the fields of science and technology. The first forum was held in South Korea in 2008, and the second was held at the Sanjo Conference Hall of the University of Tokyo in 2009.

The forum is run primarily by organizations of female scientists and engineers. Japan is represented at the forum by the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) Japan.

The latest forum included not only Japan, China and South Korea as it had in previous years, but also extended its reach to countries in Southeast Asia, resulting in the participation of a total of eight countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh. From Japan, Ms. Kayoko Sugawara, the acting chairperson of INWES Japan, and Ms. Fusako Utsumi, president of the National Women’s Education Center, were invited. Ms. Utsumi reported on the current state of women in research positions in Japan and future work at the round table discussion held on Monday, November 7, with the participation of approximately 30 representatives from different countries. Approximately 30 female researchers made presentations at the session held on Tuesday, November 8 on the subject of ecology and science. The session was attended by more than 200 people.

The forum played a highly significant role in providing a platform for young female researchers from all the participating countries to enthusiastically present their findings, while the current state of support for female researchers in various countries was presented and shared.