Women's Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment

Dear Supporters,

We are truly grateful for your continued support.

We are excited to announce that preparations for WISE Suwa-Shiojiri, taking place in May 2025, are well underway!

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the WISE program, we are more confident than ever in its lasting impact. Over the past decade, WISE has empowered individuals to become catalysts for positive change, creating ripple effects throughout society. We are proud to share that the number of WISE Fellows will soon surpass 350—a remarkable milestone that reflects our shared dedication and efforts.

This year, we’ve participants from across the globe, including India, Kenya, Botswana, Russia, Turkey, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Canada, and Japan. We are excited to meet the next generation of WISE Fellows—and we still have a few spots left! If you’re interested in joining us, please don’t hesitate to register.

Participants will have the chance to explore the scenic Shimosuwa area, visit the historic Suwa Shrine, and enjoy the beautiful Iwanami family’s Japanese garden, accompanied by a special talk from the Iwanami family.

Despite its beauty, the region continues to face challenges in the aftermath of COVID-19, particularly for local youth and women, who often struggle with limited opportunities, unconscious bias, and traditional gender expectations. The tight-knit and conservative nature of the community can present significant barriers.

At JSIE, we remain committed to creating opportunities for these individuals to realize their full potential. Your continued support makes this vital mission possible, and we cannot thank you enough.

We’ll continue to share updates on the 2025 WISE Suwa-Shiojiri program. Please see the registration information (www.jsie.net/en/archives/11927) —we hope to welcome you to Shimosuwa!

Warm regards,

Links:

• WISE in Suwa-Shiojiri