Study Projects ― Helping young women design future career paths in a global society
The SGH group, which is made up of 30 high school students, is divided into four study projects (LABO), and they are conducting research on diverse issues to foster career design skills. Short study trips overseas serve to develop their wider cultural thinking such as problem solving and communication skills.
LABO 1 : Women in global management and entrepreneurship
Mentor: Mr. Takeshi Hibiya, adviser Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
We are researching about global career design under the mentorship of female executives from Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. These global businesswomen who are helping us design our proposals are outstanding role models and advisors. As part of our field work, we went on a study tour to Charleston, South Carolina in the United States and took part in a Global Enrichment Program with students at Ashley Hall School for Girls.
Group discussion at Ashley Hall school in Charleston
Visiting The Boeing Company
LABO 2 : Achieving gender equality in Japan
Mentor: Ms. Naomi Inoue, clinical psychologist · school counselor · academic doctor
We are studying for the purpose of grasping the current situation of gender gap of Japanese women and suggesting ways for women to form a career design globally. We conduct our research in Finland whose society is highly advanced in social welfare, comparing female working environment in Finland with that in Japan.
Panel session with female leaders in business community
Interview and survey at child institution
LABO 3 : Japanese women making positive contributions abroad
Mentor: Professor Yukiko Yonekura, Showa Women’s University
Based on research about a Japanese woman who runs a factory for cookies etc. and another woman engaging in a publishing company in Cambodia, whose businesses enable local people to have job opportunities for sustainable economic independence, we suggest some ways to support the local economy in developing countries. We visited companies in Cambodia and came to learn about the diversity and richness of their values through the interviews with those who participate actively in the business community.
Interviewing an entrepreneur who publishes magazines
Visiting a local kindergarten
Discussion with teachers
LABO 4 : Promoting the advancement of women in developing countries
Mentor: Professor Hiroshi Korogi, Showa Women’s University
Through studying the lives of people in developing countries and understanding the current situation and the problems of career design for women there who are socially vulnerable, we are engaged in studying to propose various ways to support them with Fair Trade policies and so on. In a collaboration with Showa Women’s University students, we visited Chiang Rai prefecture in the northern part of Thailand, and stayed with a family in Akha Hilltribe Village to carry out our on-site investigation while doing volunteer activities.
Homestay at Akha Hilltribe Village (Chiang Rai)
Volunteer activities at a local kindergarten and elementary school