WAIJ to Host "WOMAN AI AWARD 2026" on July 6th, Celebrating Women Who Challenged AI

The General Incorporated Association Women AI Initiative Japan (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Chiri Kunimoto; hereinafter, WAIJ) will host the "WOMAN AI AWARD 2026" on Monday, July 6th, an award celebrating women who have confronted AI and strived to change their way of working, learning, and daily lives.

■ Our Statement

Even after a long career break, even if anxious about only having administrative experience, even if not from a privileged background, or even after prioritizing a husband's career for many years — WAIJ has witnessed countless real changes where such women gradually reclaim themselves through AI.

"We were born in an era with AI. There's no need to give up. Because it can be done immediately."

Skill levels and titles do not matter. This award is open to all women who have faced AI and tried to change themselves.

Click here for the "WOMAN AI AWARD 2026" special website:
https://women-ai-initiative.jp/woman-ai-award2026

■ Background of the Award

Japan is expected to face a severe shortage of human resources in the AI and digital fields. According to an estimate by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in March 2026, there will be a shortage of 3.39 million specialists in AI and robot development and utilization by 2040. On the other hand, administrative positions, which traditionally have a high proportion of women, are projected to have a surplus of 4.37 million (※1).

This structural mismatch indicates that the time has come for women to acquire AI skills.

In fact, the Japanese government also decided on the "New Women's Digital Human Resource Development Plan" (※2) in June 2025, accelerating public-private initiatives.

This award, linked to national policies and SDGs goals, aims to highlight "individual stories of change" and deliver new female role models for the AI era to society.

Sources:

※1: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry "Projection of Employment Structure in 2040 (Revised Edition)"
https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/sankoshin/shin_kijiku/pdf/030_s02_00.pdf

※2: Cabinet Office
https://www.gender.go.jp/policy/digital/index.html

■ About WOMAN AI AWARD 2026

This award recognizes women who have challenged AI and expanded their options as "role models" and widely disseminates the stories behind their transformations. The existence of role models aims to create opportunities for "learning and engaging with AI" and to broaden social awareness of AI utilization.

The awards will be judged based on three core criteria: "Empathy, Originality, and Transformative Impact."

- Empathy: Does the background story and problem awareness resonate, offering hope to many women that "I can do it too"?
- Originality: Is there an unconventional use of AI or a unique approach specific to that individual?
- Transformative Impact: How dramatically did their mindset and actions change before and after learning AI?

▼ Entry Guidelines

Eligibility: All women who have challenged AI and brought about change in themselves (skill level and title do not matter).

Entry Fee: Free

Entry Period: Until 23:59 on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Entries are accepted via the "WOMAN AI AWARD 2026" special website:
https://women-ai-initiative.jp/woman-ai-award2026

＜Please "recommend" women you know!＞

A KPMG survey found that 75% of female executives experienced "imposter syndrome" (a psychological state where one underestimates their own achievements) (※3). Women who challenge AI and actually bring about change around them tend to dismiss their own progress as "no big deal" and hesitate to nominate themselves.

That is why "nominations by others" are welcomed for this award, which targets women for recognition.

- To business owners and managers: Please recommend female members in your company who are mastering AI and changing teams and operations. Winning an award will not only benefit the individual but also contribute to the PR of your company's AI utilization, human resource development, and diversity management.
- To family, friends, and colleagues: Please send forth women you know who have become "a little more positive through AI" as role models to society.
- To community organizers and those involved in women's empowerment: Please recommend women who serve as role models in your community.

We would be grateful if you could submit your recommendations via the form below.