In a time when workers’ rights are under attack, the power of collective action is more crucial than ever. As Jane Fonda emphasized, ‘Community means power.’ Within the General Union, women are increasingly at the forefront of this power. We’ve made significant progress in recent years, with women now holding nearly half of our leadership positions. This milestone reflects a positive shift, but we also recognize that true gender parity requires ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure equitable representation at all levels. This International Women’s Day, we’re sharing interviews with some of these incredible women leaders, exploring their experiences and contributions to the General Union.
Claudia, Vice Chair for Schools
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I became more involved with the GU after my employer made it difficult for me to take maternity leave. Through that experience, I realized just how valuable the Union is—not only for the support of fellow members and GU officers during workplace challenges but also as a vital source of information on labor laws in Japan.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
“L’Union fait la force” : Unity makes strength.
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
Eight years ago, when I first became involved in the union, leadership wasn’t as inclusive as it is today. Not for any particular reason—it was simply the way things had turned out to be. When I served as treasurer, I was the only female officer. The same was true when I later became vice-chair for the schools sector. Leadership roles were largely held by men, not necessarily by design, but because representation hadn’t yet evolved. Today, we see a much-needed shift. Women now hold five out of ten executive positions, bringing new perspectives and strengthening our union as a whole. This progress doesn’t just benefit women—it benefits everyone. A more diverse leadership fosters broader discussions, more inclusive decision-making, and greater engagement from all members, regardless of gender.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
Everyone reacts differently to joining the union. For some, especially depending on their background, the risks feel too high—even if being a member would help them. Fear holds them back. We do our best to support everyone, but not everyone is ready to accept it. And no matter how hard we try, we won’t win every time.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
It not only gave me a deeper understanding of the working environment and labor laws in private schools, international schools, and for ALTs, but also the confidence that comes with that knowledge. It has also helped me support those around me and recognize unfair work situations, even in casual social settings.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
Through surveys and data collection, the GU can focus on closing the gender gap in salary, work opportunities, and promotions in the workplaces. As for leadership within the union, promoting the diverse roles available in branches and the secretariat—just as has been done recently—could encourage even greater inclusion.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for women’s involvement and leadership, in or out of General Union, in the future?
I truly hope for a future where leadership roles, salaries, responsibilities, and working hours are shaped by individual choice, not gender. Where women can pursue careers without facing extra barriers, and men can choose to stay home or work part-time without societal pressure. A world where career decisions are driven by personal aspirations, not expectations. It will take tremendous effort to get there, but creating a more balanced and inclusive society will make life better for everyone.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I first joined the union because of maternity issues. Six years later, as my daughter enters elementary school, I’m still fighting my employer—now in court—with the unwavering support of the union and its members, for which I’m incredibly grateful. While my employer, like many workplaces in Japan, sees mothers as unreliable or less capable workers, the General Union gave me the chance to prove otherwise. I’ve been the liaison for the three branches of my sector, participated in collective bargaining and negotiations, organized meetings, and led leafletting actions—all while being fully trusted and supported. Unlike my job, the union never made me feel like I had to choose between my daughter and my commitments. Instead, I found support, patience, trust, and understanding—things I will always be thankful for.
Marissa, Branch Secretary-Treasurer
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I began as a member of the Berlitz Branch, then served as an Executive Committee member for approximately 3 years and as a General Union Executive Member for 1 year. I have been the Secretary-Treasurer of the Berlitz Branch for about 5 years.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
I’ve always believed in Louis Pasteur’s quote, “Chance favors the prepared mind.”
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
Together with other Filipino members, we successfully organized the Filipino Outreach Committee in 2021 and held a webinar. For the Berlitz Branch, we continue to ensure representation from all language centers and regularly engage in collective bargaining with representatives of Berlitz Japan.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
I wish I had known that being excellent in one role is more valuable than taking on multiple roles that may not necessarily be efficient.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
My leadership roles have taught me how to communicate effectively with different people.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
The General Union has already provided equal opportunities and implemented inclusive policies in our leadership positions. One thing I would particularly like to see is women mentoring other women.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for women’s involvement and leadership, in or out of General Union, in the future?
For me, balancing work, family, activism, charity/volunteer work, and church activities was a challenge. My hope is that other women in similar situations won’t be discouraged from taking on leadership roles. If it’s something you’re passionate about, it will all work out.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
In union there is strength.
Beatrice, ALT Executive Officer
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
After three consecutive years of extreme difficulties with work changeovers, I realized that nothing in the ALT industry would improve on its own. I wanted to do my part to help others stay informed, to keep everyone organized, and to push for better conditions for foreign teachers in Japan.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
Information transparency, just keeping as many people aware of a situation is possible, is the most effective tactic in any movement. Many people genuinely don’t see the problems, and helping become aware is the most important first step; the second step is keeping them aware.
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
I organized four members of my workplace to start negotiations for direct hire with my board of education.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
It’s not as big a time commitment as you might worry about.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
I’m also a game developer, and working in a team, both within the union and in my workplace organizing, has helped me organize teams for my creative projects as well.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
Open support of women workers and the unique issues they face–for example, childcare–is very important. Organizing groups of union members for other issues such as LGBTQ+ can also provide more leadership opportunities.
Kayleigh, Branch Executive Officer
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I was introduced to the union when I first arrived in Japan. I became good friends with a few union members and decided to join.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
As long as we keep trying it isn’t over.
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
“I cannot take credit for what was achieved but while I was chair, the union worked together to obtain sick days without penalty with a doctor’s receipt, a reduction of EQ days (new teachers may not recognize this name, but those days where you have to work on your regular day off used to have a name) and a wage increase. This was due to the efforts of the previous chair (Kris) and general secretary (Fred) but mainly because of the tiresome efforts of the entire union. I think this is evidence of what we can achieve when we all set our minds on the same goal.”
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
That it’s alright to reach out to other people for help. You will be heard, and things can change.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
I try to speak up more when I think there’s something wrong even if it’s just a small thing. Communication helps us resolve problems and find solutions.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
Letting all women know they have a voice and they are not alone. Your opinion matters, and people will listen.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for women’s involvement and leadership, in or out of General Union, in the future?
I hope that more wonderful women will join the executive committee, or apply for branch chair, treasurer or any position where you can speak up for yourself and for others who may not have the confidence to speak.
Joslyn, Assistant General Secretary
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I first became involved with the General Union shortly before the pandemic in 2020 because I was very dissatisfied with my working conditions. When the pandemic hit, it was a catalyst for me and my co-workers to come together to improve our working conditions and our safety. The General Union worked hard with our group and really helped us to make changes to support pandemic safety. I really wanted to do more for the union after seeing how much they aligned with my values. I could see how special the General Union was for workers and it was something I really wanted to be a part of. As the union continues to grow, I can see that the hard work that everyone in the union puts in everyday is really worth the results.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
My personal philosophy is simply to have empathy for all people.
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
Every day that the union gets bigger makes me happy. Seeing workers get more power in their workplaces, seeing big companies having to listen to workers and make changes shows the power we workers have as an organized group. I wish more people could see that. I hope that serves as inspiration to others as it does to me.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
I wish I had known how hard it is to see people facing so many hardships every day. There are so many people facing really difficult situations and we do our best to help. It isn’t easy to stay positive every day.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
This kind of experience has made me a better listener. I feel like it’s really important to listen and fully take in others’ struggles and experiences to become a better overall person.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
In our contemporary life, it’s hard to make time for things outside of work and our families. I think that this year the General Union has taken that into consideration and is giving more opportunities for those with irregular schedules to get involved. Offering more different times and connecting online will allow more people in general to get involved outside of just general membership, so I hope we continue doing that.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for women’s involvement and leadership, in or out of General Union, in the future?
I hope that women and LGBTQ+ people can take a greater role in the union to help address the issues that more proportionally affect us. It will require a lot more work to effectively combat these issues, but I hope it’s a fight I can be a part of.
Q.W., Branch Chair
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I first got involved because I wanted to have support if and when I came out to my employer. It felt good to have that in my back pocket if things ever got dicey.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
I helped to coordinate the largest Survey to date on ALTs, I have met a variety of labor activists, and made some very close friends.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
It’s not as intimidating as it seems, and that it is okay to make mistakes. It’s not a sprint, but a marathon.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
It’s given me a whole new group of people to socialize and network with. I was able to find my current job through the help of a fellow union member.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
I think that the union needs to take a firm stance against bigotry and sexism, and to remain vigilant against these threats to labor unity, even amongst our own membership. I think it’s incredibly important we shed the image of the union as a “boys club.”
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for women’s involvement and leadership, in or out of General Union, in the future?
I want more kickass women to take leadership positions, especially as branch executive officers. I want to see the union put women’s issues front and center, along with anti-bigotry, and of course, the interests of labor.
Kris, Vice Chair for PLI
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I got involved in 2018 when my company was sold to a larger corporation. I was concerned about how that might affect my job down the line, so I joined as a kind of insurance. I became a delegate, then a sector branch chair before starting my own workplace branch at AEON. I left the company in 2023 for an extended working vacation in Europe with my husband, and the timing lined up so that I was able to start working as Vice Chair full-time when we came back.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
“Just keep swimming!”
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
I was really proud that we were able to get a seishain option for non-Japanese teachers at my old company. The hurdle is still high, but the option exists now.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
“Separate the person from the problem.” Especially as a union leader, emotions can run high when dealing with problems and people take things very personally – and that can be a heavy weight when it’s just one person, nevermind the dozens I work with every week.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
I think it has really opened my eyes to what immense variety of options there are foreign workers in Japan. Working at my former company for so long – it was my first real job after college, and I had shockingly little real-world experience, all things considered – I was completely blind to what opportunities existed in education, much less elsewhere. An English teacher is an English teacher is an English teacher, I thought – and I couldn’t be more wrong. The diversity of working options in the industry, even for someone with only a bachelor’s degree, are vast – but of course, the more options there are, the more problems there will be!
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
Looking at the leaders we currently have, I think the level of support that exists for Executive Member-level leaders is great, but we need to make a more concerted effort to find and support women leaders in the individual sectors and workplaces. I think what is necessary is helping them to know what “leadership” means in General Union so that they are more willing to take on those roles.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for women’s involvement and leadership, in or out of General Union, in the future?
My goal is that women are able to take on leadership roles out of passion, rather than out of a sense of obligation. I have personally experienced both, and it is no contest which is more rewarding.
Krys, GU Treasurer
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I officially became a member only two years ago, but the work of the GU impacted my life well beforehand when I found myself stuck in a difficult situation while working for a ブラック企業 (black company). Were it not for the thoroughly researched information on the GU site, I would not have had the courage to fight for myself and come out reasonably unscathed.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
I don’t have a favorite quote, but I strive to maintain integrity in everything I do. If I remain true to myself I can conquer any hurdle that comes my way.
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
My first year in the GU was spent as the Chair of the ECC Branch. During that year I supported my fellow coworkers in developing strong demands to fight as a strong unit. As a new leader in the GU, there is a lot I still must learn about the culture and advancing the GU mission.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
I’ve learned that the GU’s rich history and culture are a valuable asset. Taking the time to understand them fully has been a rewarding journey, and I appreciate the support I’ve received along the way.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
Since my tenure as ECC Branch Chair, I’ve become more sensitive to potential labor violations. If I see or hear anything potentially fishy, I feel compelled to steer non-members to our website. Before becoming a member, I’d likely just mind my business.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
There are a number of ways GU can support and promote women in leadership. For starters, by providing training and creating policies that ensure equal representation in leadership roles, GU can be more equipped to: -attract and retain more women as members, -prioritize gender issues in GU campaigns and bargaining, -ensure the leadership ratio is reflective of the gender ratio of our membership, -create mentoring programs and safe spaces for women either by building capacity internally or forming strategic partnerships with other organizations.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for women’s involvement and leadership, in or out of General Union, in the future?
I hope to take part in the dismantling of gender stereotypes of leadership styles especially in the workplace. Additionally, I would like to live and work in a world where women encourage and support each other everyday, not only during international observances.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I believe that creating dedicated spaces for members to discuss gender-related issues would further strengthen our union and ensure that all voices are heard.
Sonomi, Executive Officer
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I already had experience working for another labor union and was invited to work at GU two years and a few months ago.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
“One who does nothing never loses, but also never wins.” And, “Silence when your friend is in trouble is tacit consent to death.”
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
When I first came to GU, another executive told me, “The majority of GU’s members are English teachers, workers without a steady income guaranteed for the next year, but they support GU steadily through good times and bad.” I am pleased that the members I have worked with on cases understand this and remain at GU even after their problems are resolved.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known when you first took on a leadership role in the General Union?
I’ve learned that mastering the applications commonly used at GU is a valuable skill. I’m actively working on improving my tech proficiency. Additionally, I’m continuously striving to refine my English skills to ensure clear and effective communication. I’ve also come to appreciate the unique camaraderie and team-building experiences that occur, like the occasional Friday evening trip to the riverside.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
Taking on the challenges that various members and the whole organization face at GU gives me the experience of living several people’s lives at the same time. These are very interesting things, and I hope that more younger members can enjoy this experience and grow from it.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
Compared to other “traditional” labor unions in Japan, I think GU is an organization that is more capable of sharing a global standard of gender awareness. I would like to be able to further improve this awareness outside of GU.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for women’s involvement and leadership, in or out of General Union, in the future?
I would like to nurture the younger generation within GU. At the same time, I would like to expand knowledge of labor and gender issues outside GU through open workshops and courses.
Emiko, Executive Officer
Tell us a bit about your background. How did you first get involved with the General Union?
I used to work at an English conversation school for children. I wasn’t paid for working on holidays or overtime, and I had to prepare things necessary for lessons and classroom equipment myself, as the company didn’t provide them. I joined the union to improve my working conditions. Through collective bargaining, many things were improved, but I didn’t always get the full results I hoped for.
Do you have a personal philosophy or favorite quote that motivates your work?
Enjoy teaching. If the teacher is happy, that joy will be conveyed to the students. If it’s not fun, it won’t last.
What’s something you’ve achieved as a leader in the General Union that feels especially significant to you?
I don’t have a specific achievement to point to yet, but I learn a lot from the other wonderful leaders.
How has your leadership experience in the General Union impacted other aspects of your life or career?
Knowing about systems, laws, and how to access that knowledge allows me to protect myself and what I value. It gives me confidence and peace of mind when I have to make choices.
In your opinion, how can the General Union continue to support and promote women in leadership positions?
Increase the number of female members. Disseminate information about the problems faced in female-dominated occupations. Share examples of women’s involvement and problem-solving on the website.