Cultivate the FEWture We Deserve: A Community Conversation
Participatory discussions and reflections on sculpting our HERstory
At our 1st Members' Meeting, our fabulous womxn-only community members will engage in participatory discussions and reflections on sculpting our HERstory and steps forward to keep creating a more equitable future in Japan.
FEW Japan October 2024 Members’ Meeting Event Recap: Build the Community You Deserve
FEW Japan kicked off its 2024-2025 programming season on October 17, 2024, with an inspiring and interactive monthly Members’ Meeting titled "Build the Community You Deserve." Held online, the event brought together a diverse group of womxn from across Japan, fostering connections and sparking meaningful discussions about the future of our community.
Event Highlights
The evening began with a warm welcome from Mahi Patki, Vice President of Member Engagement, who introduced FEW Japan's theme for the upcoming year: "Cultivating our Future." This theme embodies our commitment to nurturing growth and development within our Community, emphasizing the importance of planting seeds today for a flourishing tomorrow.
Key components of the event included:
- FEW's HERstory: Incoming Co-President Stephanie Napier and President Jackie Steele shared insights into FEW Japan's 43-year legacy, highlighting how our evolution from FEW Tokyo to FEW Japan demonstrates deep commitment to inclusivity.
- Interactive Discussions: Participants engaged in two rounds of breakout sessions, addressing critical questions about women's experiences in Japan and the future of the FEW community. These participatory discussions were skillfully facilitated by our new Directors of Member Engagement: Laura Staub and Maud Niemi!
- FEWture Conference Recap: VP Mahi Patki reflected on the success of the June 2024 FEWture Conference and Gala. A bi-annual FEW Japan event which impacts on our community and has wide-ranging partnerships influences. We can’t wait for 2026!
Key Takeaways
Making Japan More Inclusive for Women
In our first breakout session, women shared their perspectives on what would make Japan more aware, inclusive, and equitable for their lived reality. We discussed:
- The power of individual actions: How being open and proactive in our daily interactions can make a significant difference.
- The importance of safe spaces: these enable us to create opportunities for open communication, shared experiences, and being heard.
- Mentorship and womxn’s groups in the workplace: Connecting with other womxn for support, guidance, and shared learning. More employers are open to womxn’s groups at work, and our members are helping pave a path for these spaces.
- Everyday advocacy: From medical care to workplace policies, womxn are changemakers through informed advocacy for and of ourselves, our peers, and our communities.
Cultivating the FEW Japan Community
Our second breakout session focused on what we as a community might want to do or co-create over the next year, and beyond. These discussions were fruitful and painted a picture of FEW Japan’s future with truly exciting ideas. Some included:
- Supporting newcomers to Japan with resources and networks for navigating life here.
- Expanding mentorship programs by connecting women across different life stages, professional progression, and industries for growth and support.
- Skilling up with workshops on career progression, job hunting, and personal finances in Japan
- Community service and volunteering together
- Supporting mental health of our members with “third places” that allow for self-care & wellness through shared hobbies or experiences
Looking Ahead
As FEW Japan enters its 44th year, we feel incredibly energized by the enthusiasm and ideas shared during this event. The discussions highlighted the community's desire for even more opportunities to connect with one another, not only through networking opportunities but also skill-sharing sessions and spaces for personal well-being.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions. It’s the insights of our Members and Community that will help to shape our upcoming programs as we work together to cultivate the future of FEW and by extension of our mission, more equitable futures for diverse women in Japan!
Stay tuned for more exciting events, including our next FEWture Conference. We look forward to your continued engagement and support as WE build the Community WE deserve with your help.
Not a member yet? < Register today> and join us in making FEW Japan a vibrant space for womxn in Japan and beyond!
At our 1st Members' Meeting, our fabulous womxn-only community members will engage in participatory discussions and reflections on sculpting our HERstory and steps forward to keep creating a more equitable future in Japan.
Sign up for this Event!