The event, "Women in Tech Policy," jointly hosted by Microsoft Japan and GRIPS, took place on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The aims of the event, part of an ongoing academic exchange aimed at resolving social issues using AI and IT technologies, were to promote the participation of women in the policy-making process, particularly in the fields of science and technology and IT, and to encourage many women to contribute to inclusive and impactful policy-making. At the event, female leaders involved in public policy-making and the fields of science and technology shared their experiences and insights. The 61 participants from various sectors included mid-career professionals interested in policy-making.

Opening remarks: Professor Yoko Kijima GRIPS
Vice President and Director of the Policy Research Center

In the keynote speech, representative Karen Makishima, a member of the House of Representatives, spoke about policy-making. Then GRIPS Professor Miyuki Katai, representing academia and the medical field, discussed efforts to promote women's participation in various fields, using gender-specific medicine and gendered innovation as examples. She also highlighted the recent acceleration of the promotion of gender-specific medicine resulting from recent policy developments, and stressed the significance of increasing the number of women involved in the policy-making process.

Keynote speech: Representative Karen Makishima
Member of the House of Representatives

Speech: Professor Miyuki Katai
Director of GRIPS Health Service Center

In the panel discussion titled, "Promoting Women's Participation in the Policy-Making Process," panelists from various fields, including government, business, and academia, discussed their involvement in public policy; gender gaps they have encountered in their careers; achievements made possible because of their gender; and challenges regarding women's participation and measures for its promotion. The panelists shared their experiences and perspectives on these topics.

Panel discussion: From left: moderator Ms. Yoko Oshima (head of corporate, external and legal affairs, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.);
panelists Ms. Katsura Ito (commissioner, National Personnel Authority (NPA));Ms. Eriko Asai (co-founder and partner, Trinity Indo-
Pacific Partners); Ms. Miyuki Katai (professor, GRIPS); Ms. Yumi Manita (counsellor, Cabinet Secretariat National Center of Incident
Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC))

Closing remarks: Mr. Ryota Sato
Executive Managing Director, Public Sector Lead, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.

In the networking session following the lectures, many participants, including the speakers, enjoyed face-to-face discussions and interactions. They asked questions that were not covered in the lectures and panel discussions. The session was so lively that time ran short, which indicates the high level of interest in the topic.