President Profile

President Mana OSHIMA

Greeting from the President

Mana OSHIMA, President, Kitakyushu Forum on Asian Women (KFAW)

I was appointed President of the Kitakyushu Forum on Asian Women (KFAW) on June 25, 2025. For approximately 30 years since 1995, I have served as a faculty member at Kyushu Women’s University and Kyushu Women’s Junior College, specializing in social education, adult education, and youth education.

In the field of social education, my work has focused on learning that supports citizens and local communities—such as human rights education and disaster prevention—and on collaborative efforts to address community issues. I have also been involved in youth education, promoting social participation, and nature-based experiences to help individuals lead more fulfilling lives.

KFAW’s mission of “achieving gender equality” envisions a society where the human rights of all individuals are respected, where everyone-regardless of gender- can participate fully in all aspects of society, share both joy and responsibility, and express their individuality and abilities. This vision closely aligns with the goals of social education.

In 2025, KFAW marks its 35th anniversary. Since its founding, KFAW has been dedicated to advance the status of women and realizing a gender-equal society. In collaboration with the Kitakyushu Municipal Gender Equality Center “MOVE”, which it manages and operates, KFAW has implemented a wide range of initiatives, including international exchange and training, information dissemination, and counseling services related to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

While perceptions of traditional gender roles have gradually evolved, disparities between men and women still persist in households, workplaces, and communities. Achieving true gender equality requires ongoing effort. I am committed to leveraging KFAW’s international network and accumulated expertise to further promote gender equality.

I reaffirm my dedication to these efforts and sincerely appreciate your continued support.

Career History

March 1988
Completed Doctoral Program, Graduate School of Education, Kyushu University
During this time, studied at Adult Education and Community Development Program, Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto (Scholarship student under the Ministry of Education’s International Exchange Program from September 1985 to June 1986)

April 1988 – March 1990
Assistant, Department of Social Education, School of Education, Kyushu University

April 1995 – March 2011
Faculty Member, Department of Elementary Education, Kyushu Women’s Junior College
(Served as Assistant, Lecturer, Assistant Professor and Associate Professor)
April 2011 – March 2015
Faculty Member, Institute of General Education, Kyushu Kyoritsu University and Kyushu Women’s University
(Served as Associate Professor and Professor)
April 2015 – March 2024
Professor, Faculty of Humanities, Kyushu Women’s University
April 2021 – Present
Part-time Lecturer, College of Community Studies, Aoyama Gakuin University
March 2024
Retired from Kyushu Women’s University
Conferred the title of Professor Emeritus, Kyushu Women’s University

Additional Roles and Appointments

Member, Fukuoka Prefecture Council for Gender Equality (April 2010 – March 2018)
Group Leader, Fukuoka Women’s Overseas Training Program “Tsubasa”

(Study Program in Germany and Finland, November 2010)

Chairperson, Kitakyushu City Council for Gender Equality (April 2012 – March 2024)

Recent Appointment

June 25, 2025
Appointed President of the Kitakyushu Forum on Asian Women (KFAW)

Other Major Social Contributions

Executive Director and Vice President, Japan Association of Social Education Committees (General Incorporated Association)
Member, Special Subcommittee on the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education, Central Council for Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Research Committee Member, Practical Social Education Research Center, National Institute for Educational Policy Research (NIER)
Research Collaborator, National Institution for Youth Education (NIYE)
Board Member and Vice President, The Japan Association of Lifelong Education
Social Education Committee Member, Fukuoka Prefecture
Social Education Committee Member, City of Kitakyushu
Council Member, Kitakyushu City Human Rights Policy Council
Council Member, Advisory Council of the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art
Council Member, Kitakyushu City SDGs Council
Board Member, Kitakyushu Foundation for the Promotion of Arts and Culture (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)