Ivanka Trump attends World Assembly of Women in Tokyo

US President Donald Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump on Friday spoke about women's participation in the economy at the World Assembly of Women here, an annual conference sponsored by the Japanese government, the media reported.

Trump was introduced at the event by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She will have dinner with Abe on Friday night, reports CNN.

She spoke about women in Japan who have inspired her, praised Abe's paid family leave policy, and also referenced the Prime Minister's "womenomics" movement, which has implemented policies for increased female participation to achieve economic growth.

"This is my first visit to Japan, and the warmth you have shown us, the beauty of your landscape, and the vibrancy of your culture are truly incredible gifts to all who come to this country.

"Yesterday (Thursday) evening as I arrived in Tokyo, I was struck by the magnificence of the skyline. And this morning, I was awed by the ancient beauty of the Imperial Palace. The wonders of this land are a testament to the creativity and the resilience of the Japanese people," Trump said in her opening address

Travelling on a 14-hour commercial flight from Washington, she was met at the airport by Ambassador William Hagerty and his wife, Chrissy.

Trump said US and Japanese societies are at a "critical juncture" with the opportunity to fully empower working women, CNN reported.

"Today we are redefining success, we are discarding the old formula of the ideal woman, the ideal worker, the ideal mother. We are helping to shape a more realistic and complete picture of what it is to be a woman who thrives and who helps her business, her community and family do the same."

Trump laid out "four fundamental changes that will propel women into the future" of the global economy, highlighting the real estate developer turned entrepreneur turned senior adviser to the President's work in the West Wing.

Friday's speech also addressed a broader message of empowering women in countries that prevent them from leading.

"Countries like the United States and Japan cannot be complacent. We must continue to champion reforms in our own countries while also empowering women in restricted economies," she said, noting the US and Japan's involvement with the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, a World Bank facility she spearheaded.

Ivanka Trump's Japan visit comes ahead of President Trump's Asia visit scheduled to begin from November 5.

The President will travel to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

--IANS

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