OU UNESCO Chair MeW Project holds International Women’s Day Symposium “Promoting Menstrual Health Education in Schools”

Timed to coincide with International Women's Day, Osaka University’s UNESCO Chair Program MeW Project held an international symposium in a hybrid modality with both online and in-person sessions.

Following the opening remarks from INOUE Keiji (Executive Vice President in charge of diversity & inclusion, SDGs) and YAMAMOTO Beverley Anne (Executive Vice President in charge of international education, Osaka University UNESCO Chair Program Leader), the following presenters gave presentations.

• Dr. Marni Sommer (Professor, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health)
• Dr. SUZUKI Sachiko (Professor Emeritus, former Vice President, Dean of Faculty of Nursing, Saitama Prefectural University)
• Ms. MITSUKURI Miyuki (Manager, Department of Citizen Services, Akashi City)

Professor Sommer gives a lecture

In a panel discussion facilitated by Elli W Sugita (Professor, Graduate School of Human Sciences; Leader, MeW Project), the abovementioned three presenters participated in a lively discussion on a variety of topics, such as menstrual education, positive expressions about periods, and what mindset is important for educators.

This symposium was a valuable opportunity to consider the challenges and importance of promoting education about menstrual health and installing sanitary pad dispensers in schools as a first step to achieve gender equality.