A two-day conference aimed at empowering and inspiring women to bring about social change and elevate them as leaders was held last week in Tokyo, highlighting the need for greater diversity in the workplace.

The Women's International Networking Conference was founded in 1997 by Norwegian social entrepreneur Kristin Engvig. It has since become an internationally recognized learning platform, attracting thousands of female leaders at various venues worldwide.

Japan hosted the event for the fifth time this year, on April 9 and 10, amid Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's call to create a society where "all women can shine." Some 220 men and women gathered to listen to and share their experiences on how to embrace diversity.