BPW International

“The road to recovery from the 3.11 disaster by women.”

We discussed about women’s role in the unprecedented disaster.
The BPW Japan convened the 2011 Annual Meeting on June 4-5, 2011.  Over 140 participants, including non-members and guests, attended the 2011 Annual Meeting held at Kofu, a quiet small city surrounded by several Japanese prominent mountains including Mt. Fuji.
Experiencing the unprecedented disaster caused by gigantic earthquakes and tsunami on March 11th, followed by the serious nuclear plant accidents, many members participated in one of working group discussions, “the road to recovery from the disaster by women.”  The discussions focused on: 1) women’s employment issues, 2) women’s leadership, and 3) women’s health and security in the disaster.  All working groups brought together a wide range of women’s needs,  roles, and other issues in the disaster.  Based on these discussions, BPW Japan adopted the “Yamanashi Declaration,” which was expected to be submitted to the Gender Equality Bureau of the Japanese government later.  We hope that women’s perspective will be incorporated into the future government’s disaster restoration and prevention measures.  

At the Annual Meeting, the 8th Young Speech Contest also took place, by bringing together 5 talented young women who won the block-level contests during the past year.  A young veterinarian who works as a zookeeper made a wonderful 5-minute speech, and won the first-place.  She noted that she learned the preciousness of our lives, facing and taking a hard look at reality of animals’ lives through her work.  Her speech conveyed well her passion to her own profession, and was received well among audience.

At the opening of Candle Lighting Ceremony, the message from Ms. Benham was read in Japanese, and generous support to the recent disaster victims from BPW International members was announced.  We all appreciated their kindness and friendship.  On the second day, the General Assembly was convened.  It was only the second General Assembly since the BPW Japan acquired its corporate status in 2009.  The two-day meeting was adjourned at noon.