Women’s organization FEW Japan took off long before women’s empowerment became front page news in this country. Forty years on and it’s more dedicated than ever to helping meet the needs of women here.

Since its founding in October 1981, the Tokyo-based network of globally minded, English-speaking women has grown from the seed of an idea contemplated by two friends to a 150-strong membership hosting some 50 events annually. Encompassing a shared goal of motivating, inspiring and connecting, the program of speaker events, lunches, seminars and networking sessions has attracted more and more women to attend year on year, exceeding 1,000 in 2020 despite the pandemic.

FEW Japan President Jackie Steele points to a recent World Economic Forum ranking that puts Japan at 120th out of 156 countries when it comes to a gender gap in business, politics and other fields of employment. She says a group like FEW will 'never not be needed in Japan.' |
FEW Japan President Jackie Steele points to a recent World Economic Forum ranking that puts Japan at 120th out of 156 countries when it comes to a gender gap in business, politics and other fields of employment. She says a group like FEW will 'never not be needed in Japan.'