President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on ASEAN member states to expand women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, saying greater representation is essential to the region’s security, resilience and economic development.
Speaking at the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit in Mandaluyong City on Sept. 29, Marcos said women remain underrepresented in the Cabinets and parliaments of ASEAN countries. He said the issue goes beyond numbers because the people making policy decisions determine whose perspectives shape the region’s future.
Marcos urged ASEAN governments to strengthen pathways for women to enter leadership positions and establish a regional network that can connect and support women leaders across Southeast Asia. He also called for the summit’s commitments to be incorporated into national development plans and regional frameworks under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The President also highlighted the economic role of women, noting that more than 60 million micro, small and medium enterprises across ASEAN are owned or managed by women. He said many women-led businesses continue to face limited access to capital and gaps in digital skills.
Under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship, Marcos said the region should accelerate digital financial inclusion and market integration to create more opportunities for women-led enterprises. He also called for greater investment in care infrastructure and a more equitable distribution of unpaid care responsibilities, which can limit women’s participation in the formal workforce.
Women’s participation in peace and security was another focus. Marcos cited the ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Agenda and said involving women in negotiations and decision-making can contribute to more durable peace agreements and more inclusive recovery efforts.
At the same time, he warned that greater digital participation brings risks, including gender-based violence and harassment online. Marcos said ASEAN should develop digital frameworks that make online spaces safer for women and girls.
The summit’s joint ministerial statement on women’s leadership for inclusive prosperity covers areas including climate action, technological innovation, economic participation, and peace and security. Marcos urged ASEAN members to turn those commitments into concrete policies, programs and budget decisions rather than leaving them as declarations.
The 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit was held under the theme “2026: The Year of Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Prosperity in the ASEAN Region.” It brought together policymakers, development partners, civil society groups, women leaders and youth representatives to advance regional commitments on women’s leadership and gender equality.
