Women's Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment

Dear supporters:

We express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Our flagship social innovation program, 2024 WISE in Zenkoji Nagano, was a tremendous success, thanks to the dedication of our talented mentors and facilitators. We were delighted to welcome 29 participants from various countries, including the Madagascar, Tunisia, Thailand, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Venezuela, Colombia, Vietnam, Namibia, Kenya, Spain, and Japan.

Our esteemed mentors included Mr. Tatsuya Matsui, a globally-active robot designer and artist; Mr. Michael Brown, co-founder and CEO of senior communication service provider KK nabetomo; and Ms. Shino Tsuchiya, founder of Impact Hub Tokyo and a professional community builder. The program took place at Zenkoji Yakuoin, a traditional temple where we shared invaluable moment.

The winning teams, composed of four energetic women, showcased innovative ideas such as an avatar anonymous consultation service for those suffering from menopause. Additionally a team led by a student from Madagascar, presented a micro-financing method to improve the well-being of vanilla farmers in Madagascar.

We sincerely hope that the experiences they shared here will create a ripple effect, ultimately bringing about positive change on a broader societal level. As you may be aware, rural areas like Nagano, younger generations and women continue to face challenges stemming from unconscious bias and traditional gender-based roles imposed upon them. Breaking free from the conservative mindset deeply rooted in tightly knit communities remains a significant hurdle for them. JSIE remains committed to providing opportunities for these younger generations and women to unlock their full potential.

We would like to extend special thanks to our supporters at GlobalGiving for their invaluable assistance in running this program. Once again, thank you for your continued support. We are thrilled to announce that we will be continuing this project for 2025!

We extend our deepest gratitude for your ongoing support. As we gear up for our flagship social innovation program, 2024 WISE in Nagano, we're thrilled to announce a lineup of talented mentors and facilitators. This year, participants will have the unique opportunity to reside at a Buddhist temple, known as "shukubo," near Zenkoji, immersing themselves in the lives of priests. Our mentors include a globally-renowned robot designer, a seasoned expert in community-building, and social entrepreneurs hailing from Nagano. In collaboration with the University of Nagano, we are eagerly anticipating participants from across the globe. Registration will open shortly.

With over 270 WISE fellows to date, we firmly believe that our program will catalyze positive change within grassroots communities, fostering a ripple effect throughout society. Conducted in English to facilitate open and candid discussions, the program embodies inclusivity and cross-cultural exchange. We are grateful for the steadfast support of Nagano municipalities and partners like you from GlobalGiving.

In rural Japan, such as Nagano, young people and women often face unconscious bias and entrenched gender roles. Breaking free from the confines of conservative communities entrenched in deeply-held values poses a significant challenge. JSIE remains dedicated to providing opportunities for younger generations and women to unleash their full potential. Thank you once again for your unwavering support. We will ensure you stay informed about the 2024 WISE program in Nagano.

Links:

• WISE program
• WISE in Nagano