UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Yuko Arimori Promotes Gender Equality on International Women's Day

TOKYO — Yuko Arimori, UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and an Olympic medallist promoted UNFPA work during events on 8 March to mark International Women’s Day at a United Nations public symposium in Tokyo, Japan.

With a theme, “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All—Beijing at 15: Gender Equality, Development and Peace”, the symposium was organized by 19 United Nations entities in Japan. The aim was to celebrate International Women’s Day and the 15th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women.

Ms. Arimori spoke about the importance of using sports to bring together men, women, girls and boys to promote women’s rights and health. She shared her experience of doing so in countries such as Tanzania.

Ms. Arimori also promoted the “Save Mothers Campaign,” launched by UNFPA’s Tokyo Office, stressing that the dissemination of information on maternal health was the first step in helping mothers worldwide. She urged Japanese audiences to sign up and become supporters of the campaign, which would enhance gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In closing remarks, Ms. Mizuho Fukushima, a Minister for Gender Equality, emphasized the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women.