Gender
Sophia University was founded as a Jesuit Catholic men's school in 1913 and became coeducational in 1957. Over half a century later, the proportion of female students now exceeds half, and the university is distinguished by its many graduates who excel not only in Japan but also on the global stage. We are committed to creating a fair and inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
News
- 2025.06.16 Event Reports
- 2025 Women Researchers Global Development Encouragement Award
Gender Ratio
*As of May 1, 2024
*Rounded to the first decimal place.
First Female President since the University's Founding in 1913
The Sophia School Corporation Board of Trustees convened on September 30, 2024, and resolved to appoint
Professor Miki Sugimura, from the Faculty of Human Sciences, as the next President of Sophia University.
Her term of office will be from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2029.
Sugimura will be the first female president in the university’s history since its founding in 1913.
Commitment to Gender Equality
Sophia University Gender Equality Declaration
The Basic Act for Gender Equal Society enacted in 1999 places a gender equal society as an imperative task in deciding the future of Japanese society in the 21st century. It also stipulates the importance of promoting policies relevant to creating a gender equal society in every field in order for both men and women to fully exercise their individuality and abilities regardless of gender.
Sophia University was founded in 1913 based on the spirit of Christianity. We search for truth, we search for values, and we work for “human” formation of our students.
The university was a men’s university in the past but became co-educational in 1958, and has continued to turn out bright young graduates capable and committed to make significant advances in the future generation ever since.
We develop abilities to address the global society. Intensive language education, overseas study programs, academic exchanges and a campus with a diverse community of international students from all over the world helping one another to deepen their understanding of other cultures and to develop qualities that will allow students to play an active role in an evolving global society. At the same time, the educational motto of Sophia University “Men and Women for Others, with Others” teaches our students to become an active part of global challenges to solve the issues of poverty, starvation, environment and discrimination while pursuing their own goals and interests.
Making use of these characteristics, we declare that Sophia University fulfills our social responsibility and commits to provide positive contribution to the creation of gender-equal society and to promote the Gender Equality Plan on the basis of the following basic action plan.
【Basic Action Plan】
- Promotion of gender equality in the spheres of education, research and employment
- Support for men and women to ensure feasibility of accommodating studying, research or job and family life
- Promotion of activities to raise awareness about gender equality; promotion of educational research on gender equality
- Promotion of gender equality in decision making process regarding administration of the University
January 2011, The Chancellor of Sophia School Corporation
As a member of the 30% Club Japan University Group, Sophia University is promoting educational and awareness-raising activities to realize gender diversity in the areas of education, research, and social contribution.
The leaders of the nine universities, including President Terumichi of Sophia University, addressed their specific goals for managing diverse institutions, and announced their commitment to the path toward realization of these goals. By having those leaders of the universities share their aspirations with wider audiences in society, it is hoped that many will feel empowered and contribute to gender equality in Japan and around the world.
Education
An example of gender-related subjects
- ■Gender and Law (General Studies) / Prof. Kaori Habu (General Studies)
- ■Sociology of Gender (Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Sociology) / Associate Prof. Yukari Ishi
- ■Psychology of the Privileged: Understanding Majority Privilege (General Studies) / Prof. Makiko Deguchi
- ■Gender Equality, International Cooperation, UN, Global Communities and Japan (General Studies) / Special Contract Prof. Junko Sazaki
An example of gender-related events
“The Future of Women’s Leadership” held with President of the Catholic University of Portugal
For Secondary School Students
Sophia University is participating in "Girls Meet STEM College," an initiative run by the Yamada Shintaro D & I Foundation, which supports female secondary school students in pursuing studies in STEM fields.
According to a survey by the foundation, the female university enrollment rate in the four fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in Japan is 19% (2023), the lowest among the 38 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the foundation has set a goal of raising this to 28% by 2035.
This program provides female junior and senior high school students with the opportunity to enjoy learning in the STEM field and experience real student life through laboratories and campus tours at participating universities, as well as interactions with university students. Sophia University will also actively work to realize a society where "everyone can pursue what they love."
*As of May 1, 2024
Role Model : Sophia’s Women Leadership
Role Model Series XII, published by the Office for the Promotion of Diversity in 2022, focuses on "Sophia's Female Leadership."
To Sophia Students
“Student Information Service” has been established so that students who do not know which department to consult or are not sure whether they should consult with the university can feel free to ask questions or make inquiries.
Depending on the details of the consultation, students will be connected to various departments of the Health and Wellbeing Center, other departments of the university and to external organizations if it’s needed.
For more details;
Web Piloti “Student Information Service”