Call for Applications: 14th Cohort of Japan Women's Learning Foundation Career Support Designers

◆ What Is a Career Support Designer?

The Japan Women's Learning Foundation registers women who support lifelong career design from a gender perspective—aiming for women's empowerment—as "Career Support Designers." We provide networking and activity support for these individuals.

Currently, women of diverse ages across Japan are active as "Career Support Designers" in various regions. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, including gender equality centers, government agencies, corporations, universities, and Hello Work offices.

For example… How would you respond as a supporter when faced with these situations?

* After working hard, a woman is told by her husband: "Do you think you're going to be CEO or something? What about taking care of the kids?" How should she move forward in her career?

* A young woman is told by her parents: "Since you're a girl, you should get a stable job," and she is uncertain about her career path.

By providing career support through a gender lens, we can break down fixed gender role stereotypes and biases, opening new futures for women. Won't you join us in this effort?

◆ Benefits of Becoming a Registered Career Support Designer

① Learn about gender issues and career support for women!

→ Receive the monthly magazine "We learn" (normally ¥5,060/year) free of charge.

→ Attend approximately 10 annual lectures on gender equality and women's career support at discounted rates.

② Support your professional growth as a career supporter!

→ Include "Career Support Designer, Japan Women's Learning Foundation" on your business card.

→ Have your profile featured on the foundation's official website.

→ Co-host workshops and lectures with the foundation.

③ Connect with like-minded professionals across Japan and expand your network!

→ Participate in an annual nationwide forum where Career Support Designers gather from all regions.

→ Join "Designer's Lab," a space for sharing personal career histories and mutual learning among fellow designers.

* Additional benefits include discounted access to "Space We learn"—a shared learning venue—and waived membership fees for "Office We learn," a shared office space for women.

▼ Eligibility: All three of the following conditions must be met 1. Female 2. Minimum of 3 years of work experience (freelance, part-time, or full-time) 3. Currently involved in women's career development support or gender equality promotion

▼ Quota: 25 participants (first-come, first-served; applications close once quota is reached. Final deadline: August 5, 2026, Wednesday)

▼ Registration Process: Applicants who pass the entry sheet review must attend the "Career Support Designer Training Program" (online via Zoom) and successfully complete a final report evaluation to be officially registered as a "Career Support Designer" (Registration fee: ¥20,000 including tax).

▼ Details of the Career Support Designer Training Program: [Date & Time] September 26, 2026 (Saturday), 10:00–15:00 [Format] Online (Zoom) [Instructors] Keiko Fukuzawa (Journalist, Board Member of the Foundation), Hiroko Nomura (President of the Foundation) [Course Fee] ¥10,000 (including tax)

▼ How to Apply Download the entry sheet from the foundation's website, complete it, and submit via email (j [email protected]) or by mail (5F, Japan Women's Hall, 2-6-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011). ★ For more details, including the application guidelines and entry sheet download, please visit the foundation's official website.

◆ About the Japan Women's Learning Foundation

The Japan Women's Learning Foundation is dedicated to achieving a gender-equal society. We conduct research and surveys, develop human resources, and provide information—including publishing the monthly magazine "We learn"—on women's lifelong learning and next-generation development, in collaboration with relevant organizations and institutions, based on national and international trends.