Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the work site in the United States and one of FORTUNE's 2014 Blue Ribbon companies, announced today that Aflac Japan has been honored for its efforts on behalf of women in the workplace by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The company was among just four insurers – and the only American insurer – recognized as part of the Diversity Management Selection 100 project. 

According to the selection committee, Aflac was chosen based on its commitment to actively recruiting and activating female potential in the workplace; the number of women in managerial positions; and providing opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, for career advancement. 

"Over the last 40 years in Japan, Aflac has worked to promote diversity and expand opportunities for women in the workplace," Paul S. Amos II, president of Aflac and head of Global Operations, said. "We have always strongly embraced the role of women, not only as workers, but as leaders of our company." 

Aflac is in step with overall efforts in Japan to promote women's participation in the workforce. As part of his country's growth strategy, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is supporting efforts to increase opportunities for women. The endeavor, known as "Womenomics," reflects Japan'srecognition that the country has an untapped resource in its highly educated and skilled female population.

Aflac Japan has supported the role of women in the workplace since its inception in 1974. Of its 16 founding members, nine were women. Amos noted that women currently hold 17.6 percent of the company's leadership positions, and his goal is to increase the number to 30 percent by 2020. 

"We are deeply honored to be recognized for our diversity efforts by Japan'sMinistry of Economy, Trade and Industry," Amos said. "We're committed to fostering workplace diversity and maintaining an environment in which every employee can fully achieve his or her potential." 

Last year, in the lead-up to celebrations marking Aflac's 40th year of Japanoperations, the company reaffirmed its commitment to diversity by establishing a leadership development program offering women additional training, coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities. The goal is to encourage women to view themselves as valued employees and groom them for present and future leadership positions.