Yoko Hayashi, the first Japanese head of a U.N. watchdog on women's rights, is geared up to help improve the lives of females suffering discrimination.

In February, the 59-year-old Tokyo-based lawyer assumed the chair of the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, becoming the first Japanese leader of the U.N. body.

This year happens to mark the 30th anniversary of Japan ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.