Gunma Prefectural Women’s University was founded in 1980 to enable young women to be more independent in society and give them the resources to be able to reach their full potential. I would like to mention just a few ways in which we are attempting to put this into practice. Students attend lectures given by ambassadors and business figures as well as leading writers, artists and filmmakers. Through the experience of listening to such speakers students are able to broaden their horizons and keep abreast of the very latest developments in the contemporary world. In recent years, there has been a much stronger focus on learning foreign languages. Our university has established a program to help students who would like to study abroad. The program encompasses more than just foreign language study; students can also do volunteer work and internships. Every year about 100 students are able to take advantage of this program. We are acutely aware of the importance of putting students inMORE