The seminar opened with a video message from Ms Junko Mihara, Minister for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment of Japan, and an opening address by Ms Seiko Noda, Member of the House of Representatives and Chairperson of the Parliamentary League to Promote Women's Political Participation and Advancement. This was followed by panel discussions on women's participation in politics, the gender pay gap and a selective dual surname system for married couples. Speakers from a wide range of fields, including Japanese and European parliamentarians, ambassadors, academics, lawyers and representatives from the private sector and civil society, engaged in lively and thought-provoking discussions, sharing challenges, best practices and suggestions.

In his closing remarks, EU Ambassador to Japan Jean-Eric Paquet reiterated the importance of political leadership to advance gender equality, and encouraged all participants to continue sharing views and good practices to further promote women’s empowerment.

The event programme can be found here.