Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended the meeting with the gender equality award winners held after the ceremony to present the award, at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address, "Women's active participation is the critical key to revitalize Japan. The stagnation that currently hangs over Japan is an indication of the impasse that the male-centered society is now facing. Active participation of women is precisely the 'calling of the time.' The power of women should change Japan. Signs of the arrival of this new era are already being perceived throughout the country.
There are women who sympathize with the feelings of the affected people in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and who continuously provide finely detailed support. There are women who are taking hold in the region and exerting leadership in revitalizing and developing local communities. There are women who are starting new businesses and opening up sales channel by venturing into the world. As seen through these examples, there are many women coming into prominence by aggressively tackling the issues Japan faces and changing society.
The government has been aiming to realize a society wherein both men and women can actively participate in all areas according to their ambitions. Efforts were made to develop an environment in which both men and women can work easily, and to support the maintenance of a good balance between work life and home life.
The Noda Administration would like to further bolster active participation by women."