Kobe University Diversity Statement
Kobe University strives to educate leaders equipped to address the complex issues of this 21st century world and able to contribute to the development of knowledge, protection of the environment, well-being of humanity and to world peace. This requires not only rich experience and wisdom born from understanding of diverse perspectives, but also the creativity and innovation that comes from encountering the unknown.
Therefore, building on its work since 2007 to achieve gender equality, Kobe University will now also promote diversity. We will create an environment for study, education, research and work where each person is treated with respect and can express her/his/their individuality and talents regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, background, age, educational background, physical or mental characteristics and/or other affiliation and/or identity.
The promotion of this kind of diversity may at times result in discord or confrontation. However, rather than fearing such disagreements all members of the Kobe University community will work together to create a campus where difference is respected and appreciated. Convinced that the knowledge born out of this process will open new horizons from Kobe to the world, Kobe University hereby declares its commitment to the promotion of diversity.
President. Kobe University
December 13th,2018
Kobe University Gender Equality Declaration
Kobe University, in a spirit of integrity, freedom and cooperation, will contribute to realizing a gender equal society by enabling both male and female members to participate as equals in university management, research, education and contributions to society.
It is essential that members of both sexes fully exercise their individuality and potential in order for the University to attain and further develop its aim of achieving global excellence, as set out in Kobe University Vision 2015.
I hereby declare that Kobe University will work actively to achieve a gender equal society.
Kobe University President
We have created a program outlining “Goals and Measures to Increase the Proportion of Female Academics” (Positive Action)
The Academic Council adopted the “Goals and Measures to Increase the Proportion of Female Academics” at a meeting on September 18, 2008. The full program is outlined below.
“Goals and Measures to Increase the Proportion of Female Academics” (Positive Action) Kobe University, in keeping with the aims of the Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society, will make every effort to increase the number of female academics by setting the following goals and measures.
- Increase the number of female academics employed so that they account for 20% of the staff in all departments.
- State in all application guidelines that we “welcome the active application from women, in keeping with the Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society”.
- Give precedence to hiring women if an appraisal of their accomplishments and qualifications is equal to that of men's.
The “Kobe University Gender Equality Promotion Program (Master Plan)”
The “Kobe University Gender Equality Promotion Program (Master Plan)” was approved by the Academic Council on September 18, 2008. The full plan is outlined below:
“Kobe University Gender Equality Promotion Program (Master Plan)”
Recognizing the University’s responsibility in realizing a gender equal society, Kobe University has composed the “Kobe University Gender Equality Promotion Program (Master Plan)”
Basic Principle |
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The Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society has set the realization of a gender-equal society as a top-priority task in determining the framework of 21st-century Japan. This is the realization of a society where men and women respect each other's human rights, share their responsibilities, and fully exercise their individuality and abilities regardless of gender. Universities, institutions of higher learning, must play an active role to correct society's bias against and women as we shape a new 21st century, while also contributing to welfare of humanity and peace. Kobe University, in keeping with the university president’s declaration and the university’s spirit of integrity, freedom and cooperation, will contribute to realizing a gender equal society by enabling both male and female members to participate as equals in university management, research, education and the contribution to society, |
Basic Policy |
We confirm the following basic policy to be respected by all members of Kobe University to help realize the aims outlined in the basic principle.
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Action Plan |
The following provides details of the Action Plan, a set of specific measures founded on the basic policy. The university and all the departments and offices must set a figurative target based on the Action Plan, and take steps to achieve the target. The university and all departments and offices must also release a mid-term report on their progress. |
1.Redress gender inequality in the male and female academic and staff composition
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2.Increase opportunities for women to participate in university management decision making
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3.Support steps to balance research, education, work, study and family life (establish a work-life balance)
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4.Create an environment free of gender discrimination
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5.Educational and promotional activity to raise awareness about gender equal participation
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6.Work together with the local community on activities to promote gender equal participation
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7.Global cooperation on gender equality
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Implementation structure |
The Gender Equality Promotion Committee, the Gender Equality Office and other departments will work together to implement the Master Plan. |
1.Gender Equality Promotion Committee
2. Gender Equality Office
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Term |
The first period of this program will take place over the five years from fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2012. A mid-term evaluation of the first period’s progress will be made during fiscal 2010. |
Organization Chart
Structure for Promoting Gender Equality
Supporting faculty members from each faculty serve in 3 working groups. This system has started with 4 working groups since FY 2011.