Tokyo, JAPAN – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized a panel discussion on International Women’s Day, where Ms. Miharu Hosono, Manager of the Urban & Regional Development Department at Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. , participated in a discussion focusing on women involved in master planning.

【Related Link】JICA HP:

Celebrating International Women’s Day: Planning Cities of the Future in Developing Countries

Ms. Miharu Hosono / Manager of the Urban & Regional Development Dept. of OC Globa

Participants in the Panel Discussion
（Source: JICA）

International Women’s Day, believed to have originated from a 1904 demonstration in New York, advocating for women’s suffrage, was officially designated by the United Nations on March 8, 1975. Since then, various events have been organized worldwide on this day to promote women’s social participation and advancement.
The panel discussion held on this occasion was planned by JICA, in commemoration of International Women’s Day. Women working at the forefront of master planning and urban development in envisioning the future of developing countries, including JICA staff and consultants, shared their experiences and discussed the significance of their work.
During the panel discussion, Ms. Hosono remarked on her role in urban planning, stating, “Urban planning significantly impacts the future lives of citizens and is a responsible job. Therefore, I believe it is crucial to formulate plans that the local community can use first and foremost. It is important to listen to the suggestions made by the representatives of the residents and engage in continuous dialogue without giving up.”
Ms. Hosono also cited an African urban planning project she is involved in as an example, emphasizing the necessity of diverse perspectives in planning. “Naturally, cities are not made up of only men, and when formulating plans, various perspectives, including those of women, are indispensable. African countries may be perceived as having a low gender index, but in government positions, I feel that women are more active in the field than in Japan. In that sense, having a balanced representation of women on the Japanese side may also facilitate easier communication.”
In summary, Ms. Hosono highlighted the importance of diversity in planning and the active participation of women in shaping the future of urban development.

Through the creation of urban planning master plans that shape the future of developing countries, OC Global aims to support the development of these nations and strive towards the realization of a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can actively participate.