We Are Tomodachi Autumn / Winter 2017

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9World leaders gathering at WAW! 2016 to promote women’s empowerment. (December 2016)Prime Minister Abe speaking at the HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 Parity Report Launch Event. (September 2017)A Message from the UN Women Executive Board SecretaryOur ability to create a world in which women and girls can play full and active roles in both public and private life is essential for the peace and sustainability of countries, communities and families.As one of UN Women’s closest partners, Japan has provided political, financial and advocacy support that is helping to drive progress toward this goal. Japan’s financial support has enabled us to reach out to thousands of women in areas affected by war, in communities where women are in need of sustainable livelihoods, and where young people need access to the means to further their training and education. And the country’s engagement in UN Women’s HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 initiative―through Champions Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Nagoya University president Seiichi Matsuo―is helping to engage men and boys as allies for gender equality. Japan’s World Assembly for Women (WAW!) continues to provide important momentum in our efforts toward a world in which women and girls have the chance to shine. Last year’s WAW! resulted in several key proposals, including those for the creation of working environments that are enabling and flexible for women and men, boosting women’s participation in decision-making in peacebuilding and peacekeeping, and promoting women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. The conference highlighted the critical importance of increasing the numbers of women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and careers, with proposals for breaking down negative stereotypes and promoting positive role models, strengthening partnership between the public and private sectors to support women in STEM jobs, and promoting gender equality throughout society to propel more women and girls up the pipeline into rewarding employment in science and technology.Through these initiatives, and all of our ongoing work together as partners, UN Women and Japan must continue to work to transform attitudes, behaviors and practices so that women and girls are empowered to take the lead in shaping our societies.Phumzile Mlambo-NgcukaExecutive Director of UN Women