MetLife Alico Becomes a Strategic Partner of TOMODACHI Initiative to Support the TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program
TOKYO, JAPAN, December 13, 2013 – MetLife Alico Life Insurance K.K. has partnered with the U.S.-Japan Council to support the TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program to develop opportunities for women’s empowerment and mentorship in Japan. This year-long program pairs highly-motivated Japanese female freshman and sophomore university students with Japanese female mid-career professionals to encourage networking among a select corps of women who show promise as Japan’s next generation of leaders.
MetLife Alico Japan (MAJ) has been operating in Japan for over forty years. MAJ strives to strengthen the communities in which it operates through effective and sustainable partnerships by promoting volunteerism, community involvement and empowerment. Consistent with MetLife’s global focus, MAJ is particularly interested in developing female talent and enabling their career progression. The TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program will encourage program participants to grow as leaders in their respective communities and contribute to women’s empowerment in Japan.
In comparison to other developed nations, Japan has a low level of workplace equality and social norms that reinforce gender based roles, often discouraging Japanese women from working toward personal and career fulfillment. The mentorship relationship between professional and student participants is a key component of the program, offering professionals an opportunity to strengthen important leadership skills, while providing students with guidance and perspective as they cultivate their own leadership goals and styles. Together, mentors and mentees will grow as leaders and refine the skills that will help them become active implementers of positive changes for women in the Japanese workforce.
The program launched in Tokyo (40 participants) and Kansai (18 participants) in 2013. Participants attend regular group sessions hosted by the U.S. Embassy and consulates that provide training in leadership development and financial empowerment, and provide opportunities for personal growth and networking. Participants are also invited to attend special seminars with U.S. government officials, business leaders and American and Japanese experts on leadership and women’s empowerment.
- For more information on the program, please refer to the program description
About MetLife Alico
MetLife Alico, an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs serving 90 million customers, has started operation in 1973 as the first foreign life insurance player in Japan. Since then, it has introduced many innovative products and services suited to the needs of Japanese customers. In 2012, it became a Japanese corporation, MetLife Alico Life Insurance K.K. MetLife Alico aims to be a trusted partner to its stakeholders through offering customers a broad range of life insurance products and services and being engaged in community activities where it operates.
MetLife Alico Website: http://www.metlifealico.co.jp/
MetLife Website: http:/www.metlife.com/
For Questions Regarding this Press Release
TOMODACHI Initiative
MetLife Alico Life Insurance K.K., Corporate Communications
koho@metlife.co.jp
