Grameen Japan Partners with Yell Inc. to Host "Parallel Career Event for Single Mothers"

Grameen Japan (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Director General: Kimihiro Hyakuno; hereinafter "Grameen Japan"), as part of its support for implementing organizations in the Dormant Financial Assets Utilization Project, partnered with Yell Inc. (Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Reiko Mipo; hereinafter "Yell") to hold a "Parallel Career Event for Single Mothers" on June 18, 2026.

Participants in this event included program participants and graduates from implementing organizations selected for the following two projects, which are part of Grameen Japan's Dormant Financial Assets Utilization Project:

・ Empowerment of Single Mothers and Resolution of Regional Disparities through Digital Skills Training & Employment Support (FY2023) ・ Development and Promotion of Support Organizations for Single Mothers Centered on Digital Skills Training & Entrepreneurship/Employment Support (FY2024)

Background: The Challenges of "Career Stagnation" and "Isolation" for Single Mothers

Many single mothers who have acquired digital skills through employment support programs find themselves unable to take the next step in their career development.

This is due to limited opportunities to encounter practical examples of diverse work styles such as side jobs or parallel careers, and a lack of opportunities to meet role models who are active in similar situations. Consequently, it is difficult for them to concretely envision work styles and future careers that leverage their own skills and experiences, making it hard to find opportunities to broaden their career options.

To address these challenges, Grameen Japan aimed to create opportunities for participants to experience diverse work styles and career possibilities, and to envision their own futures, by providing a forum for dialogue with women who are actually practicing parallel careers. This event was held in collaboration with the "Parallel Career Promotion Committee®," a social community operated by Yell.

Event Overview

Date: June 18, 2026 (Thu) Format: Online (Closed format) Target Audience: Program participants and graduates from implementing organizations selected for Grameen Japan's Dormant Financial Assets Utilization Project

Content: Talk session by members of the Parallel Career Promotion Committee® community and practitioners of parallel careers as single mothers, followed by interaction with participants in breakout rooms.

The main session featured speakers who are practicing parallel careers while juggling daily life as single mothers. They shared their journeys, changes in their work styles, insights gained from juggling multiple activities, and powerful messages for those in similar situations. In the breakout rooms during the latter half, participants shared their feelings and aspirations for future challenges, making it a 90-minute session not only for listening to the speakers but also for reflecting on their own future work styles and possibilities.

Participant Feedback

Following the event, numerous comments were received from participants, including:

"I received so much energy. I realized there must be many unique values that come from being a single mother facing numerous disadvantages."

"This was my first time hearing the term 'parallel career,' but learning that such a career path exists has given me the courage to pursue my aspirations while continuing my current job."

"This was my first time participating in an online networking event, but the atmosphere wasn't stiff, so I was able to participate very relaxedly. The two speakers gave me courage, and I feel I can work hard again starting tomorrow."

"I used to think of 'side job' as just 'part-time work,' but I found the meaning of 'parallel career' to be wonderful. I want to work hard by steadily continuing small things."

"I don't have any single mother friends around me, so interacting with women in similar circumstances was very encouraging."

Future Outlook

Women's work styles and ways of life each have their own stories. Their worries, feelings, and dreams also differ from person to person. Therefore, there is a need for a place where they can safely share their experiences, be encouraged by others' words, and discover their own potential.

Grameen Japan will continue to support the challenges and success of implementing organizations and, by extension, single mothers and other women, in various ways through the Dormant Financial Assets Utilization Project. We express our sincere gratitude to everyone at Yell Inc. for co-creating this opportunity, and to all who spoke and cooperated.

Grameen Japan is continuously seeking partnerships with companies and organizations that create social value together. If you are interested in our activities after reading this press release, please feel free to contact us.

About Grameen Japan

Established in 2018 as the Japanese version of the "Grameen Bank," a microfinance institution founded in Bangladesh by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Grameen Bank received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for its contributions to supporting the self-reliance of the impoverished. With a vision to realize "a sustainable society where everyone can actively participate and thrive," its mission is to provide microfinance, which offers "preparation funds for starting businesses or employment" rather than living expenses, primarily to women in impoverished conditions, and to create "opportunities to take a first step" through collaboration with diverse partners. We will continue to walk alongside those who wish for a chance and are ready to take that first step.

* Grameen Japan is licensed as a Specified Non-Profit Financial Institution and conducts lending operations. Furthermore, the information provided herein is not intended to advertise or promote lending business, nor to solicit the conclusion of loan agreements or related guarantee agreements.

● Location: Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

● Establishment: September 13, 2018

● Representative: Director General Kimihiro Hyakuno

● Organization Overview: The Japanese version of Grameen Bank, which provides small unsecured loans to individuals in impoverished conditions.

● Business Activities: Microfinance/Small loans, Employment support

Homepage: https://grameen.jp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrameenNippon

X: https://twitter.com/GrameenNippon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grameennippon/

note: https://note.com/grameennippon

Partnership: Yell Inc.

・ Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo ・ Representative: Representative Director Reiko Mipo ・ Organization Overview: Operates the social community "Parallel Career Promotion Committee®," which promotes women's advancement, side jobs, and regional revitalization.

Contact Information

Grameen Japan Dormant Financial Assets Project Secretariat

Email: [email protected]