Kobe University's Promotion of Gender Equality

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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
 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.
  • Redress gender inequality in the academic and staff composition
  • Increase female participation in university management decision making
  • Support efforts to realize a balance between research, education, work, study and family life
  • Create an environment free from gender-based discrimination
  • Pursue educational and promotional activity to raise awareness about the need for gender equality
  • Cooperate with the local community to promote gender equality
  • Forge international ties to promote gender equality
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

  • Steps must be taken to increase the number of female applicants and correct the proportion of male and female academics and staff by actively promoting and reviewing recruitment methods
  • The proportion of female academics and staff should be increased to 20% of the total by March 2010, and measures should continue to be taken to promote their employment
  • Opportunitie for training within the university should be increased to help female academics and staff advance their careers, and a system should be established to provide female academics and staff with a means of seeking advice (mentor or advisor system). These measures will help secure superior human resources and will also be a means to utilize those resources

2.Increase opportunities for women to participate in university management decision making

  • The male-female composition of managerial posts should be improved, and proactive steps should be taken to appoint female faculty members to administrative positions in order to provide an equal opportunity for all members to participate in the management of university.
  • The opinion of academic and staff members and students concerning gender equality participation should be actively adopted.

3.Support steps to balance research, education, work, study and family life (establish a work-life balance)

  • Steps must be taken to create a work environment that encourages taking time off for child-care and family-care.
  • It is necessary to create a work environment where research work can be conducted at home using Information & Communication Technology (ICT) or by providing staff support so that child birth or child rearing will not interrupt the progress of academic research work.
  • It is necessary to establish a child care facility on campus, as well as other child care services to support researchers as part of proactive support measures.

4.Create an environment free of gender discrimination

  • Measures that will eliminate unfair practices born from ideas about traditional gender roles must be introduced.
  • An environment where the individual’s human rights are respected and violations against human dignity, such as sexual harassment, are prevented must be established.

5.Educational and promotional activity to raise awareness about gender equal participation

  • A strong educational program about how to realize a gender equal society must be drafted, and symposiums to help raise awareness should be held.
  • Establish a network to promote solidarity among female researchers, who tend to be isolated due to their limited numbers, is essential, while efforts must also be made to provide a favorable work environment.

6.Work together with the local community on activities to promote gender equal participation

  • The University, the regional government and other organizations should work together to realize a gender equal society.
  • Steps should be taken to promote and increase the participation of isolated female students in fields dominated by male, to help carry on the work to realize a gender equal society to the next generation.

7.Global cooperation on gender equality

  • As a university where many foreign students study, it is necessary to promote gender equal participation in cooperation with the international community.
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

  • The Gender Equality Promotion Committee, led by the university vice president (Gender Equality director), will discuss and make decisions on university-wide measures for gender equality.

2. Gender Equality Office

  • The Gender Equality Office (a professor will serve as director), working directly under the university president, will cooperate with the above committee and the various departments to undertake projects on gender equality.
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

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.

Organization Chart