Empower, Inspire and Act: Rakuten Celebrates International Women’s Day Worldwide

Rakuten’s dedication to inclusion extends far beyond a single day, and this past March, the company amplified its commitment through a series of global initiatives for International Women’s Day (IWD). With the aim to “Empower, Inspire and Act,” Rakuten offices worldwide dedicated the entire month to fostering meaningful conversations, amplifying voices and inspiring action towards gender equality.

Inspiring action through awareness

In Rakuten’s Crimson House HQ in Tokyo, various teams came together to organize inspiring initiatives under the theme “Empower Awareness, Inspire Action.”

The company’s Wellness Department spearheaded a comprehensive “Women’s Health Month” program, encouraging employees to “Empower All To Action” by addressing women’s health as a crucial social issue. The program incorporated several key actions, including a research survey on the menstrual cycle and its impact in the workplace, designed to gather data and insights into employees’ experiences. In collaboration with the Sustainability Department, a joint wellness seminar explored the broader societal implications of menstruation and its impact on women’s well-being. To promote physical health and wellness, a yoga session was held. The team also offered a simulation that allowed participants to experience period cramps firsthand. Using a device that mimics menstrual pain through electrical currents, the experience aimed to foster empathy and deepen understanding of the challenges women face during menstruation. Group discussions and presentations followed the simulation, focusing on how to better support women in the workplace.

To raise awareness of International Women’s Day, the Wellness Department collaborated with the cafeteria committee to offer special nutritious lunches featuring ingredients known to support women’s health, available to employees in 20 offices across Japan, including the Tokyo headquarters. To further support the career development of women, the HR team hosted a webinar, “Her Power, Her Path: Career and Life Planning,” featuring insights from a doctor specializing in women’s health on balancing career and family life. Complementing these efforts, the Tech Community Empowerment Group in Tokyo hosted “Women in Tech Vol. 3,” a Zoom webinar focused on “Work-Life Balance Perspectives from Parents and Caregivers Around the World,” targeting the Global Tech Community and those interested in advancing gender diversity within the field.

Breaking barriers and inspiring change

Rakuten’s Asia office in Singapore celebrated IWD with an event themed “Empowering Women: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change.” A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring female Rakuten employees who shared their experiences on crucial topics such as inclusivity in the workplace, building confidence, managing work-life balance and mental health and breaking barriers in the tech industry. Following the panel, a flower bar session provided a creative and engaging activity for all Rakutenians to enjoy.

Celebrating, empowering and leading

In the Americas and Europe, Rakuten offices marked International Women’s Day by organizing a variety of events throughout March.

In the Americas, Rakuten International’s Women@Rakuten group presented a series of events under the theme “Celebrate. Empower. Lead.” These included a session dedicated to empowering women to take control of their financial well-being, and another providing insights and strategies for women navigating leadership roles. A leadership panel showcased female leaders at Rakuten and their experiences in breaking barriers and overcoming challenges. Additionally, Slack Spotlights featured stories and thought-provoking discussions about women in leadership and equality from around the world, and celebratory events were organized at various office locations.

Rakuten Kobo hosted an inspiring keynote experience featuring financial therapist and mental health expert Aseel El-Baba, as well as an educational session on tax literacy, partnering with the Wealthsimple Foundation. Kobo’s donation for this session supported scholarships for women and girls at Covenant House Toronto.

In the EMEA region, Rakuten TV organized a panel discussion in collaboration with Rakuten International, titled “Females in Leadership and Tech Series: Advocating for Your Own Career.” This event featured female leaders from across Rakuten who shared their journeys and offered practical advice on career development.

By organizing these diverse and impactful initiatives and providing platforms for meaningful dialogue, Rakuten demonstrated its ongoing commitment to empowering women, fostering inclusivity and creating a more equitable workplace for all. Recognizing that women’s empowerment is a key driver of business success, contributing to overall organizational strength and performance, these initiatives reinforce Rakuten’s dedication to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.