Catalyst Announces Call for Submissions for the 2017 Catalyst Distinction (Media Release)

Entries in New Recognition Program Honoring Women’s Advancement, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives in Japanese Workplaces must be Received by November 30

Read the Japanese translation of this page. 日本語はこちらのページをご覧下さい。

TOKYO (September 15, 2016)—Catalyst, the leading global nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate progress for women through workplace inclusion, announced today a call for submissions for the Catalyst Distinction. Responding to the need for changes related to diversity and inclusion in the workplace in Japan, and complementing governmental initiatives such as the “Women’s Advancement Law,” this new recognition program spotlights successful diversity and inclusion initiatives with proven solutions that have had a positive impact women’s advancement as well as talent and workplace challenges.

Tsukiko Tsukahara, Vice President, Catalyst Japan, says, “We feel honored to launch the call for submissions for the Catalyst Distinction in Japan. Through consulting with individual companies here, we have witnessed the need to share feasible solutions to make real change. The impactful stories brought by innovative initiatives can become the stimulus for change. By collecting and sharing such successful activities, we hope to provide new perspectives and approaches to overcome current challenges in increasing diversity and inclusion in Japan.”

Laura Sabattini, PhD, Vice President, Research, Catalyst says, “The Catalyst Distinction will allow us to identify successful regional approaches to creating more inclusive work environments. With this recognition, other organizations will be able to learn more, and ultimately become part of a community of committed champions of change in the region. We believe this is a key strength of this program, and we are excited to find and share unique activities in Japan and beyond.”

With expertise and knowledge built on more than 50 years of global work, Catalyst continues to support companies that are creating inclusive workplaces where employees representing every dimension of diversity can thrive. Previous research and consulting engagements have revealed that advancing workplace inclusion along with promoting diversity is strategically important for sustainable business growth. Catalyst’s recognition programs, ranging from the Catalyst Award, Catalyst Canada Honours, Practices, and the Catalyst Distinction have identified essential criteria that predict diversity and inclusion progress, such as the importance of changes at the organizational level, employee engagement, and positive impacts achieved by initiatives.

The submission form is available on the Catalyst website, and applicants must describe their activity features and results. Submissions will be accepted any time between September 15 and November 30. The recipient(s) will be announced in March 2017 and will be celebrated at the second annual Catalyst Solutions Summit Japan on June 1, 2017, at the Hilton in Shinjuku.

The Catalyst Solutions Summit Japan delves into topics related to diversity and inclusion, how companies can utilize global best practices to develop their own strategies, and the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workplace.

About Catalyst

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan, and more than 800 supporting organizations, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst’s Japan office opened in 2014, and it provides information and consulting services for companies and other organizations interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

For media inquiries:

Catalyst Japan Public Relations
(PRAP Japan, Inc.)
+81 3 4580 9107
[email protected]

For submission inquiries:

Tsukiko Tsukahara
Vice President, Catalyst Japan
[email protected]