Mihoko Kumamoto is the Director of UNITAR Hiroshima Office. She struggled with the glass ceiling in her twenties. She left Japan in her late twenties to pursue her passion. She studied at Columbia University’s Master’s Programme, and joined the UN. She has been stationed in four different countries and moved to Hiroshima five years ago. She works mainly for peacebuilding. She is married with a six-year old daughter.
What do you think Japanese companies and/or government needs to do to help women in Japan?
Japan needs much more female leaders with decision making power. To have female leaders is a critical step towards women’s empowerment in this country.
What advice do you have for the next generation of women in Japan?
Don’t worry about gender stereotypes. Forget pressure from multiple directions to fit in. Find your passion. Do not afraid to be different. Be innovative and create a new era.
隈元美穂子。国連ユニタール広島事務所長。日本で働くも男女の差を痛感。その後米国コロンビア大学院に進学し、卒業後国連へ。４か国での勤務を経験の後、現職。今は主に紛争国への支援を行う。既婚。６歳の娘の母。
日本の政府や企業に期待する、女性が活躍なるための支援はどのようなものがあるでしょうか？
女性のリーダーをもっともっと増やすべき。政治家や会社の経営陣といったトップ層での女性の活躍は今後の女性活躍の欠かせない基盤。
次世代の若い女性たちへ何かアドバイスはありますか？
女性だから男性だからこうしなくちゃといった型に無理やり自分を合わせるのではなく、自分の個性を生かして、情熱のある事に、逞しく突き進んでいってほしい。