Women in Leadership | St Brigid’s Day | 5 February 2026

St Brigid’s cross is a symbol of protection, balance, and renewal. Its four arms reflect how IJCC approaches progress through connected priorities: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.

This page supports IJCC’s commitment to building leadership cultures that are inclusive, equitable, and responsible to future generations.

DEI × Sustainability

Diversity
Different perspectives strengthen leadership and decision-making.

Equity
Fair access to opportunity enables people to lead and contribute.

Inclusion
Inclusive cultures are created through intentional practice.

Sustainability
Leadership carries responsibility for people, society, and the future.

Why this event

Women in Leadership is part of IJCC’s ongoing work to widen participation, access, and representation across the chamber community, while linking leadership with long-term social and environmental responsibility.

To mark the occasion of St. Brigid’s Day, and Ireland’s commitment to diversity and gender equality, we are partnering with the Irish Embassy, organising a ‘Women in Leadership’ event. We are delighted to welcome Andrea Dermody, Programme Director of Balance for Better Business, as special guest and keynote speaker. Andrea will share her insights into gender equality developments in Ireland to be followed by a networking reception and the chance to mix and exchange views.

IJCC DEI activity

Women’s Weekend Breakfast Activities
A weekend morning activity series for women in IJCC, including female guests.
Organised on a 4–6 week cadence, with five activities held in FY2024.

Membership fee initiative highlighting the gender gap
A discount approach adopted in alignment with gender gap index figures (Japan 35%, Ireland 21%).

Women in Leadership programme
Delivered in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland in Japan.
St Brigid’s Day serves as a focal moment for Women in Leadership programming, with future events planned.

Chamber diversity in numbers

Figures for 2025 are subject to AGM approval.

Global context

World Economic Forum benchmarking indicates that, at the current rate of change, parity is projected to take:
Educational Attainment: 20 years
Political Empowerment: 169 years
Economic Participation and Opportunity: 152 years

Member stories

IJCC DEI Member Feature: Eri Toyoda
IJCC DEI Member Feature: Maura Culhane
IJCC DEI Member Feature: Fiona Toyama

Explore the data

World Economic Forum – Global Gender Gap Report 2024
Government of Ireland – Gender Pay Gap reporting information
Government of Ireland – National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025–2030
UN Women – Women’s leadership and political participation

_{IJCC members participating at the Tokyo Pride Week event}

IJCC Sustainability Committee

Alongside DEI initiatives, IJCC’s Sustainability Committee supports learning and action around responsible business and long-term impact. The committee organises events, workshops, and educational content that explore sustainability in practical and accessible ways, including thought leadership such as the 7Cs of Regenerative Practice article. Recent activities have included hands-on learning events, such as the pollinator and bee-focused workshop delivered in collaboration with SATO_LABO, highlighting the connection between biodiversity, community engagement, and sustainable leadership. Link to event report video below.

https://youtube.com/shorts/JqZD9ukDvBo?si=qU9nAZIOv_NhBtV9

Get involved

IJCC welcomes participation through volunteering, speaking, sponsorship, and collaboration to support DEI and sustainability initiatives.