In the individual category of the Forbes Women Awards 2023, sponsored by the global business magazine Forbes Japan, Tokyo Institute of Technology President Kazuya Masu won the HeForShe Award, which is given to a man who takes action to advocate for gender equality. A closed university in a male-dominated society
He was highly praised for implementing major reforms such as establishing a quota for women in university entrance exams in science and engineering.
According to Tokyo Institute of Technology, the HeForShe Award is the only Forbes Woman Award given to a man. The Tokyo Institute of Technology has announced a policy to increase the proportion of female students by creating new quotas for women in the comprehensive selection and school recommendation entrance examinations starting in 2024, and increasing the proportion of female students by setting 1,028 quotas for women, or 14% of the 143 applicants. The university president was praised for his strong leadership in achieving this transformation.
President Masu said, ``University research brings together people with different backgrounds and produces new results and innovations through friendly competition.In order to encourage women to advance into science and engineering fields, we are establishing a new quota for women as a concrete measure at the university. I have decided to do so. I would like to continue making further efforts so that more women choose science and engineering fields."
Additionally, starting in October 2024, Tokyo Institute of Technology will merge with Tokyo Medical and Dental University to become Tokyo University of Science. With this integration, President Masu aims to develop "convergence science" that combines different academic fields and create new value born from diversity. We will respect and promote this even more."
