Events

IWD2021 at UTokyo: Background

Last updated: 12 February 2021

International Women’s Day is a global event which has been celebrated by the United Nations since 1977. This year, the United Nations’ theme for International Women’s Day is: “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”. As a leader in Japanese academia, the University of Tokyo has a special role to play in shaping this future. Which is why, this March 8, we are organising a new event at UTokyo for International Women’s Day. And you can join us.

How will IWD2021 be celebrated at UTokyo?

To celebrate IWD together at UTokyo during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are making a video. All members and friends of the UTokyo community are invited to join by anonymously submitting a photo which will be included in the video. Together, the several hundreds of photos will celebrate how members of our community "Recognise the Women of UTokyo".

This event is also made possible thanks to three other registered student groups at UTokyo. Our main partner is WomEnpowered International (WE Int.), and our supporters are Tokkoto GM and WonderWomen.

What will be in the video?
The video will consist of a collage of photos, with a backing track. The theme of the video is "Recognising the Women of UTokyo". Images submitted by the UTokyo community will be displayed in a mosaic of small photos, during the song.

Where can I watch the video?

The video will be released on our YouTube channel, on 8 March 2021.

How can I participate?

The theme of this event is "Recognising the Women of UTokyo". In the photos, we ask that you raise either your left or right hand as a gesture of recognition for the women of UTokyo. This gesture was chosen by this year's global IWD organisers, and we have adapted it to UTokyo. You are welcome to use props to hide part of yourself. Below are some examples taken by us.

To find out more and to submit your photo, please check out our Google form (now closed).