The five national universities in Shikoku, Tokushima, Naruto Education, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi, have revised their Joint Declaration on the Promotion of Gender Equality and added items aimed at creating an environment where female researchers can thrive. The new joint declaration was approved by the Shikoku National Universities Council.
According to Kagawa University, the new joint declaration emphasizes the need to incorporate diverse perspectives and ideas into research activities and revitalize the university by supporting the success of female researchers. The plan is to focus on creating a research environment where female researchers from all over the world can gather in Shikoku and work globally based on their respective regions.
Furthermore, by collaborating with local governments, businesses, research institutions, and citizens in Shikoku, we aim to contribute to the realization of a university and society where individuals can express their individuality.
Shikoku is suffering from rapid population decline and an aging population, as well as an exodus of talented people from the region, a serious labor shortage, and local economic deterioration. The five universities say that in order to overcome the current situation, it is necessary to create a work environment that is attractive to women and young people, and to promote employment and retain human resources.