Prof. Kyoko ISHIDA (Faculty of Law), Director of the Office for Promotion of Equality and Diversity, holding the certificate at the venue of the award ceremony
On November 7th, 2023, Waseda University was awarded the Gold Recognition in the PRIDE Index 2023 for the second year in a row. It’s a recognition based on an evaluation of initiatives that support LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, formulated by the voluntary organization “work with Pride”.
The 2017 Waseda University Promotion of Diversity Declaration comprised a pledge to “create an environment in which all the University’s members are respected with the dignity of all individuals being preserved across their diverse values and lifestyles so that they can make the most of their individuality and abilities regardless of sex, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, creed, age, and other characteristics.” Since then, the university has undertaken numerous engagements to achieve this goal and to respond to various related issues and problems.
Specific examples include the creation of gender-neutral and accessible restrooms, investigation of the collection, and use of gender information and revision of related policies, provision of support for people’s work–life balance, processing of personnel applications regarding partnerships equivalent to de facto marriage, and holding of related training sessions for, public lectures, etc. In all of these ways, we have made sure of continuous forward progress.
That progress earned Waseda University its first Gold Recognition Award in the Pride Index 2022. Subsequently, in the Pride Index 2023, which featured upgraded items and judging criteria and overall stricter standards for recognition, Waseda University received its second Gold Recognition Award, bringing us to the worthy achievement of two consecutive years of recognition.
We will continue to respect and promote diversity in order to build a fair work environment in which diverse people can work together, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
About the PRIDE Index：
The Pride Index is an evaluation index which measures efforts to support LGBTQ+ in the workplace. It was first formulated in 2016 by “work with Pride” in Japan.
Its five indicators are:
Policy (action plan);
Representation (building a supportive community);
Inspiration (awareness-raising activities);
Development (personnel system/program); and
Engagement/Empowerment (contribution to society/public relations activities).
If the prescribed criteria are met, 1 point is awarded for each indicator. 5 points are awarded gold recognition, 4 points are awarded silver recognition, and 3 points are awarded bronze recognition.
