Women's Issues
Prime Minister KISHIDA’s participation in the HeForShe Summit 2024 (Video Message)
On September 25, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Japan time, September 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., local time), the HeforShe Summit 2024, hosted by UN Women, was held in New York, the United States of America, and Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, participated in the Summit by a video message. The overview of the event is as follows.
- The message by Prime Minister KISHIDA is as follows.
- I would like to extend my congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the HeForShe initiative. It is a great pleasure for me to celebrate this milestone with our host of tonight’s event, Ms. Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, the champions in attendance, and all of you who support the Initiative.
- As a HeForShe Champion, I have made four commitments: women’s economic independence, proactive dissemination of information on women's participation and advancement, further enhancement of the partnership with UN Women, and ending conflict-related sexual violence. I have contributed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through a range of initiatives, from disclosing information on gender pay gaps in the country and reforming tax and social welfare systems to actively contributing to UN Women and other international organizations.
- As we approach the 15th anniversary of the establishment of UN Women and the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Security Council resolution on “Women, Peace and Security” next year, Japan will continue to make efforts to achieve gender equality both domestically and abroad.
- At the Summit, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, as well as leaders from various countries and fields participated in the Summit called on the world to make efforts to realize gender equality.
UN Women (UN Women) launched the "HeForShe Initiative" in 2014, believing that the involvement of men is indispensable for promoting gender equality. Prime Minister ABE then was selected as one of the 10 heads of state (HeForShe Champion). From 2022, Prime Minister KISHIDA has served the second HeForShe Champion.
Prime Minister KISHIDA's Commitment as HeForShe Champion (PDF)
The four pillars of Prime Minister KISHIDA’s Commitment as HeForShe Champion are (1) women's economic independence, (2) active communication on the promotion of women's advancement, (3) further strengthening cooperation with UN Women, and (4) efforts to end sexual violence in conflict situations. (4) ending Sexual Violence in Conflict.