Mimosa Company” Recognition and Support Event in Kobe: Opinions of Companies and Students

　Following the symbolic flower “mimosa” of International Women’s Day (March 8) designated by the United Nations, the “Mimosa Session” was held on March 12 at Kobe Portopia Hotel (6 Minatojima-nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe City) to recognize and support companies that are actively working to promote women and diverse work styles as “Mimosa Companies”. The event was sponsored by Hyogo Prefecture and Kobe City.

Newly certified Mimosa companies in 2023 and 2024 also participated.

　The event began in 2022, and as of March of this year, 139 companies have been certified as Mimosa companies.

　The event was attended by 40 Mimosa companies and approximately 65 university and high school students who are currently studying or residing in the prefecture. The event began with greetings from Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito and Kazunori Obara, Deputy Mayor of Kobe City, followed by presentations by Mimosa certified companies Felissimo and Suzette Holdings. In the second part, Mimosa companies and students exchanged opinions on “creating a workplace where everyone can work comfortably” as a “Governor x Company x Student” session. In a World Café-style format, Governor Saito went around to each table with national flags and listened to the voices of students and companies. Tomomi Takii, president of ICB, served as facilitator.

　Participating students commented that it was a valuable opportunity to hear the true feelings and real-life experiences of those who took maternity leave before entering the workforce, and that they learned that each person’s way of thinking is different, which is the key to understanding diversity.

　Reiko Hase, head of the Hyogo Gender Equality Team, said, “We would like to strengthen our communication to students about the efforts of Mimosa companies and enhance the brand power of Mimosa companies. She added, “In the next fiscal year, we would like to put even more effort into such events and projects.”